Budget must provide green policy clarity, say business leaders

Shell, Tesco, Unilever and EDF among those calling on Osborne to demonstrate commitment to green economy

Business leaders have called on Chancellor George Osborne to use next week's Budget to signal his support for the green economy by clarifying government intentions and policy framework so companies have a stable environment in which to invest.

An open letter signed by 11 members of the Prince of Wales's Corporate Leaders on Climate Change group has today called on the Chancellor to use the Budget to reinforce the government's support for the low carbon economy.

The letter, which is backed by some of the UK's most carbon intensive firms, urges Osborne to "capitalise on the real opportunities offered for green growth and sustainable development".

"To make low carbon investments it is important there is a clear policy direction," Said Eliot Whittington, director of the UK Corporate Leaders Group. "We need the UK government as a whole... to demonstrate support for the green economy."

"We recognise key opportunities in ensuring the UK has the skills, technologies and investment framework to build future low-carbon growth," the letter concludes. "We look to you and your government to keep your promises in this area and capitalise on the real opportunities offered for green growth and sustainable development."