Both the Conservative and Labour parties presented ambitious infrastructure plans at their October 2023 conferences, with the cancellation of the second phase of HS2 by Rishi Sunak surprising the industry. We review the most important announcements.
The opportunities for those involved in UK construction was clear from the Conservative and Labour parties outlining ambitious infrastructure plans at their October 2023 annual conferences. While Rishi Sunak's cancellation of the second phase of HS2 between Birmingham and Manchester was a significant shock to many in the industry, construction, engineering, infrastructure, transport and energy projects are at the forefront of the evolving policy landscape. Industry stakeholders who stay vigilant and adopt strategies in line with these developments will benefit, whichever party forms the next government.
The most important announcements were:
£36 billion was promised for transport improvement projects such as:
Network North and the Midlands Rail Hub, designed to enhance northern and central transport via a new electrified rail line connecting Manchester, Bradford, Sheffield and Hull, a new station in Bradford, a new tram in Leeds, and new major roads, stations and reopened train lines, creating work in the form of station upgrades and rail line enhancements
An additional £12 billion was promised for improving links between Manchester and Liverpool
preserving the maximum £2 bus fare for most local routes until the end of December 2024
fixing potholes in roads.
You can hear further insights on these proposals from Rupert Sydenham's interview with our Director of Government Affairs, Robert Gardener, who attended both party conferences.
Authored by Rupert Sydenham, Steph Leung, Sian Walker, and Mark Crossley.
What policies are most likely to shape the UK construction industry in the coming years?
Are you sure want to delete comment ?
Scan this QR Code to share this content