UK (Parliament Politics Magazine) – Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds says Britain risks falling behind if it ignores major development projects like new runways or fails to invest in infrastructure.
A prominent Labour minister has warned, just before the Chancellor’s major speech, that the UK cannot afford to neglect essential infrastructure projects like new runways.
What did Jonathan Reynolds say about the infrastructure projects?
As reported by the Independent, Mr Reynolds backed the plan to approve airport expansions, including the green-lighting of the controversial third runway at Heathrow.
He stated,
“I want people to know that things that have been too difficult in the past will be focused on, will be changed, will be delivered on, by this government. It’s not just about aviation expansion, and there’s a whole range of things.”
Mr. Reynolds argued that judicial reviews should not delay the implementation of democratic decisions, highlighting that while due process matters, it must also lead to results.
The Business Secretary added,
“We simply cannot afford to say we don’t build reservoirs anymore, we don’t build railways, we don’t build runways. That’s not good enough; we will be left behind.”
He emphasized the government’s aim to expand housing, residential, and leisure projects near the stadium.
Will Rachel Reeves announce support for Heathrow’s third runway in a speech in Oxfordshire?
Ms. Rachel is expected to confirm a new third runway at Heathrow and reaffirm the government’s support for the redevelopment of the region surrounding Manchester United’s Old Trafford stadium.
In her speech in Oxfordshire, she will outline ideas for development in the Oxford and Cambridge areas, which she describes as having “the potential to be Europe’s Silicon Valley.”
What did Sir Keir Starmer say about economic growth?
Labour leader Keir Starmer, in an article in the Times newspaper, commits to eliminating red tape to enhance economic growth.
Sir Keir stated,
“In the 1980s, the Thatcher government deregulated finance capital. In the New Labour era, globalization increased the opportunities for trade. This is our equivalent.”
In a bid to boost economic progress, Mr. Starmer has pledged to clear the regulatory blockage and pave the way for a new era of growth in the UK.
Before Christmas, Keir Starmer, along with other prominent government officials, such as the Chancellor and Business Secretary, wrote a joint letter to top UK regulators proposing ideas for driving the economy.
What was the Ecotricity company chief’s stance on the expansion of Heathrow Airport?
Dale Vince, the head of energy company Ecotricity, criticizes Heathrow’s expansion. He said during an interview, “I think it’s a mistake. Actually, I think it’s an illusion of growth.”
Mr. Vince warns that Heathrow’s proposed expansion will take a decade and cost £50 billion to build. It will contribute to the wrong kind of growth by exporting tourism funds and undermine the nation’s efforts to meet carbon reduction goals.
Prior to the general election, he contributed £5 million to the Labour Party.
What essential plans are expected to be announced by Chancellor Rachel in Oxfordshire?
- Plans to transform the Oxford-Cambridge region into Europe’s Silicon Valley, contributing £78 billion to the UK’s economy by 2035.
- She will announce 9 new reservoirs, including those near Abingdon in Oxfordshire and the Fens, which will be constructed with a £7.9 billion infrastructure investment by water firms.
- Ms. Rachel will confirm government funding for the East-West rail link and A428 road redevelopment, which will enhance connections between Oxford, Cambridge, Bedford, and Milton Keynes.
- She will announce a new cancer research hospital in Cambridge, which is a priority of the government’s new hospital plan.
- The Treasury is expected to endorse airport expansion plans for Gatwick and Luton, in addition to backing Heathrow’s third runway.