More than 200 leading UK businesses, investors and business networks, including Southern Co-op, have called on the Government to deliver a COVID-19 recovery plan that builds back a more inclusive, stronger and more resilient UK economy.

In an open letter, Southern Co-op joined hundreds of signatories offering their support to the Government in tackling the present health crisis, and urging the PM to provide clear vision for recovery efforts that align with the UK’s wider social, environmental and climate goals.

The letter, which was released on Monday ahead of World Environment Day on Friday, has had overwhelming media coverage highlighting the importance of a commitment to a green economy.

The letter states: “With the UK facing major economic and social concerns including the risk of high unemployment and rising regional inequality, we believe that an ambitious low carbon growth and environmental improvement agenda can do a lot to address these concerns, as well as make the UK economy better prepared to deal with future shocks such as those related to climate change.

“[…] The current crisis, in moving us all away from business-as-usual, has already created shifts in how we operate, and we believe we must use the recovery to accelerate the transition to net zero. Efforts to rescue and repair the economy in response to the current crisis can and should be aligned with the UK’s legislated target of net zero emissions by 2050 at the latest.”

Mark Smith, Chief Executive of Southern Co-op, said: “At Southern Co-op we are committed to playing our part in tackling the climate emergency. As we plan for recovery from the current crisis, work is underway, under the direction of our Climate Action Group, to accelerate our plans to make sure our business activities support nature and climate solutions and help build resilience locally and nationally.”

The business and investment networks supporting this initiative include The Prince of Wales’s Corporate Leaders Group (CLG), the Aldersgate Group, the UK Green Building Council (UKGBC), Business in the Community (BITC), the Institutional Investors Group on Climate Change (IIGCC) and the Climate Group.

To read the letter in full, visit https://www.corporateleadersgroup.com/reports-evidence-and-insights/news-items/leading-businesses-urge-uk-government-to-deliver-resilient-recovery-plan.