Industry reacts to the Chancellor’s investment announcement
In her latest announcement, Rachel Reeves has promised to “kickstart economic growth” for the country and go “further and faster” than previous governments, including a revision on infrastructure rules and the treatment of large infrastructure projects outside of London and the South East, which leaders within the rail industry have responded to.
Ian Edwards, President and CEO of AtkinsRéalis, was present in Oxfordshire for Chancellor Rachel Reeves’ speech on kickstarting economic growth. He said: “We welcome the decisive action being taken to remove barriers to infrastructure delivery and provide the long-term certainty needed to secure investment into the UK and create the supply chains that will deliver sustainable development across the country.
The faster infrastructure programmes can pass through planning into delivery, the sooner their full impact on the economy will be felt.
“Infrastructure investment can be the catalyst for social opportunities and economic growth in every corner in the UK: the faster infrastructure programmes can pass through planning into delivery, the sooner their full impact on the economy will be felt.
“Today’s announcements reinforce this, like the support for nationally significant projects like Heathrow expansion, Sizewell C and Lower Thames Crossing alongside progress to build regional project pipelines.
“We look forward to supporting this new phase of infrastructure development, from delivering place-led growth through regional regeneration to the vital infrastructure projects that will power homes and business, connect communities and boost jobs, skills and innovation across the country.”
Mention of crucial projects such as East West Rail, West Yorkshire Mass Transit, and the A428; which we are proudly helping to plan and deliver, demonstrates the government’s understanding of the need for infrastructure investment.
Thomas Knight, transport market lead for UK and Europe at Mott MacDonald, expressed strong support for the government’s continued commitment to key transport and infrastructure projects across the country, saying: “The Chancellor’s announcement is an important step forward in providing clarity about key investment decisions which will drive economic growth and improve connectivity across the UK. Mention of crucial projects such as East West Rail, West Yorkshire Mass Transit, and the A428; which we are proudly helping to plan and deliver, demonstrates the government’s understanding of the need for infrastructure investment to support growth. These schemes are vital for improving regional connectivity, reducing congestion, and supporting sustainable development.
“The government presenting a clear path from planning to delivery with commitment to cutting down red tape will mean these projects can be delivered more quickly, while still prioritising community and environmental needs.
“The Chancellor’s support for a third runway at Heathrow Airport and investing in new and upgraded
airport facilities in Doncaster and Manchester is also encouraging. It is essential that new airport infrastructure is built and operated in line with the Government’s Airport National Policy Statement (ANPS) and the associated environmental, noise and sustainability obligations. Mott MacDonald continues to work with Heathrow Airport to deliver these obligations, including carbon reduction ambitions. We look forward to supporting Heathrow and the UK government in addressing these challenges through a review of the current ANPS.
“By prioritising infrastructure projects, the government is demonstrating a clear commitment to creating a more connected, resilient and sustainable future. We’re pleased to continue our collaboration with the government and other stakeholders to deliver these transformative projects that will benefit communities across the country.”
RFG Director General Maggie Simpson OBE highlighted the importance of freight in terms of infrastructure building for the country, saying, “We welcome the measures outlined in the chancellor’s speech to unlock investment and drive economic growth. Rail freight is a key enabler of infrastructure construction, helping major projects reduce their transport emissions and keeping HGVs off local roads. Our members will be working hard to support these schemes as they get underway.”
Rail freight is a key enabler of infrastructure construction, helping major projects reduce their transport emissions and keeping HGVs off local roads
She added: “To fast track delivery of these key projects, Government needs to ensure it provides the right support for freight in its plans for rail reform, support private sector investment and ensure key terminals, particularly in cities, are protected for long term use.”