14 July 2026 - Business leaders have urged policymakers to be more vocal and build on strong foundations to accelerate investment in Britain’s resilient, low carbon, nature-positive economic future.
Download the business statement here - Seizing the opportunity: businesses want to go further, faster
Over 100 business leaders, policymakers, and experts gathered at the 2026 UK Business Leaders' Summit during London Climate Action Week to back the UK's long-term climate and nature ambitions and to call for faster action to seize the economic opportunities of a resilient, low-carbon, and nature-positive future.
Convened by Corporate Leaders Group UK and Aldersgate Group, delegates agreed that clear long-term goals, world-class institutions and ambitious policy frameworks are already helping businesses across sectors to invest, innovate and grow. However, further progress is being undermined by a lack of political consensus as well as the clear and consistent policy required for investor confidence.
Ahead of the government’s annual parliamentary Climate and Nature moment, business leaders collaborated on a statement which calls for a rebuilding of this consensus and further progress in setting a clear direction for Britain's resilient, low-carbon, nature-positive economic future. In particular, they called on policymakers to:
- Acknowledge the risks of climate and nature inaction to households, businesses and the wider economy.
- Recognise the opportunities to deliver energy security, healthier communities and sustainable economic growth.
- Drive collaboration across government, regions and business to accelerate delivery.
This would be achieved by:
- Accelerating electrification across the economy,
- Lowering electricity costs to improve UK competitiveness,
- Strengthening climate resilience and
- Creating credible, investable nature markets.
This week, MPs discussed these issues in a Climate and Nature Moment in Parliament. They must now follow this with action, particularly through a more constructive, evidence-based and consensus-building approach. Tackling the climate and nature crises presents one of the greatest risks and responsibilities facing the UK but addressing them also presents an opportunity to improve energy security, protect households and businesses from volatile fossil fuel prices, support the clean industries of the future, and strengthen the country’s resilience.
NOTES
- The Climate and Nature Moment, or statement, was introduced in 2025 by the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, and the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs. It provides the British public with an assessment of the climate and nature crises the UK faces and the action the government is taking in response.
- On 13 July, Minister for Nature Mary Creagh MP delivered the State of Climate and Nature 2026 statement to parliament
- At the UK Business Leaders’ Summit, attendees heard from the inaugural Net Zero Council Live session, chaired by UK Climate Minister Katie White MP, followed by a cross-sector business leadership panel, and a closing keynote from DESNZ Chief Scientific Adviser Professor Emily Shuckburgh.
- The UK Business Leaders’ Statement was collated via contributions across several smaller working groups at the Summit.
- Businesses stand ready to invest, innovate and support the transition. By working together, government and industry can make the UK the destination of choice for investment and growth, delivering lasting economic, environmental and social benefits for communities across the country.
Find the full statement here – Seizing the opportunity: businesses want to go further, faster