Britain risks losing its competitive edge in helping businesses to cope with the weather and its place at the "top table" in international climate change discussions, unless more investment is poured into the Met Office, according to its new chief executive.

John Hirst told the Financial Times the government should provide about £120m for a new super-computer at the Met Office to safeguard the UK's leading position on scientific research into climate change. The investment would also help the agency to provide business with essential information on future weather and help companies prepare for the effects of global warming.