Candidates hoping to become new leader of Britain's ruling Conservative party must commit to the government's net zero target, UK business chiefs urged in an open letter published Wednesday.

The letter was signed by 15 business leaders, including the chief executives Renewable UK, Advertising Association and Food and Drink Federation.

"The UK's business community is committed to addressing climate change and nature degradation," read the letter addressed to Tory MPs who will help elect the new party leader and thereby also the next prime minister.

"As organisations representing thousands of those businesses we urge prospective candidates and their supporters for the Conservative Party Leadership to implement your party's manifesto commitments to reach net zero emissions by 2050 and restore nature within a generation."

Hoping to replace Prime Minister Boris Johnson, Attorney General Suella Braverman said that owing to the energy crisis fuelled by the war in Ukraine, "we must suspend the all-consuming desire to achieve net zero by 2050".

Another candidate still in the running, Kemi Badenoch, has issued a similar sentiment.

"We have seen first-hand investment in low carbon infrastructure and technologies delivers huge economic benefits," the letter added.

"Supportive policy measures bring down the costs of clean technology, enabling businesses to capitalise on growing global markets."

The signatories pointed to "significant" gains.

"From job creation, increased exports, and geographically dispersed growth to inward investment and improved air quality from clean energy, these are all important contributors to levelling up opportunity across the UK."

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