The FTSE 100 index surged past the 8,500 mark for the first time in history today, driven by a massive rally in the share prices of BP and Shell as investors cheered their accelerated transition to renewable energy production.

Market analysts say the "green re-rating" of UK energy firms is attracting significant global capital back to the London Stock Exchange. The move suggests that the market is finally pricing in the long-term value of the energy transition.

"London is becoming the global capital of green equity," said a senior strategist at Goldman Sachs.