British businesses back Brown on climate

LONDON, Dec. 4 (UPI) -- More than 850 companies in the United Kingdom signed a measure joining Prime Minister Gordon Brown calling for a new climate-change deal.

A group of corporate leaders presented the British premier with a statement endorsed by more than 850 companies supporting a low-carbon economy ahead of a major climate conference Monday in Copenhagen, Denmark.

Brown met with corporate leaders to express his pledge to combat global climate change.

"Our transition to a low-carbon economy will be a key driver of our future economic prosperity," he said. "U.K. companies are at the forefront of this transformation, their innovation and expertise demonstrates why this is one of best places in the world for low-carbon business."

Brown in November pledged more than $13 billion over three years toward an environmental fund for developing countries.

The 53 member states of the Commonwealth said such a fund was a necessary part of a comprehensive climate-change policy envisioned for an international climate summit in Copenhagen.

"We are committed to securing a comprehensive and ambitious agreement in Copenhagen; an agreement which must mark the decisive global shift towards combating climate change, and I welcome this unprecedented support from business to achieve this," the premier added.