Leading UK CEOs attack energy support policy as brake on investment

Criticism by Shell, DS Smith and ScottishPower chiefs add to sense of UK’s waning attractiveness to business

The chief executives of three of the UK’s biggest companies have criticised the government’s energy policy for failing to spur investment, as pressure mounts on the chancellor to announce pro-business measures in the budget next week.

Shell boss Wael Sawan, Miles Roberts, the chief executive of packaging company DS Smith, and Keith Anderson, the chief executive of ScottishPower, said investment in energy was being held back by uncertainty and planning difficulties.