Labour Infrastructure Forum

The Labour Infrastructure Forum response to the Government’s flagship Planning and Infrastructure Bill ??

???On first reading, the Planning and Infrastructure bill looks like a serious response to reform the broken planning system holding our country back???? It’s no exaggeration to say Britain has lost decades on major projects. We face an acute housing crisis - exacerbating the intergenerational wealth gap. ? Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects (NSIPs) reform? ? Clear guidance consultation ? More work for local planning officers ? Speeding up grid connections ? Strategic oversight in planning decisions But we can go further.... As the bill progresses to the Statue Book - notwithstanding difficulties in the Lords - there is scope to be bolder. ?? We need more careful thinking on habitat regulations failing nature and communities. ?? Bat tunnels may be hanging around ?? What happened to brownfield passports? Check out the brief from our executive team on what the bill does well, what can it do better, and what should happen next.

??Labour Conference update! ?? We're launching the Labour Infrastructure Forum's plans for The Labour Party Conference 2025. LIF is working to secure a prime space in the secure zone— as the go-to hub for debate on UK infrastructure delivery and growth. We’re expecting final confirmation from Labour’s commercial team very soon… ?? A sneak preview of our programme: ? Building the future: Why infrastructure powers growth ? Making clean power by 2030 a reality ? Public-private finance: A new deal for infrastructure? ? The future of devolution and regional investment ? Who will Get Britain Building? ? Thirst for growth: is there enough water for tomorrow’s infrastructure? ? Can the UK lead the world in nuclear again? ?Updating the UK’s digital growth. ??We’re also interested in: new towns, lawfare in the planning system, railway reform, roads and productivity, electric vehicle rollout, aviation expansion, and data centres… ?? Sponsorship: We’ve already allocated approximately 50% of our sponsorship package—but there’s still time! From fringes to briefings and receptions, there's lots ways to get involved. ?? Get in touch with the team and be part of the conversation? [email protected] and [email protected]

The "largest review of the sector since privatisation" is underway and a lot is on the table. In this highly charged debate, LIF is exploring the practical - and the politically possible - solutions to unlock the crucial investment needed to safeguard supply and protect the environment. ?? The current regulatory framework is out of step with the public and the government’s priorities. What agencies will be left and who will be blamed? ?? Storm overflow pollution has driven this issue up the agenda, but most other sources are hidden. What interventions can provide the best value? ??? From new towns to a new UK Silicon Valley - Labour has big plans to build - what changes are needed to improve water quantity as well as quality? ?? Investment the number one issue: if nationalisation is off the table how can we protect consumers, boost accountability and raise standards without deterring private investors? We're keen to hear your views as we move forward. https://lnkd.in/ebac8gHi

An important step towards reviving a sector that built Britain’s industrial might. But if British steel is to thrive, we must tackle the biggest barrier: sky-high energy costs. Today, British industry is being held back by some of the highest energy prices in the world. For steel and other energy-intensive sectors like chemicals this is a crisis. It’s not just about legacy industries. The future of AI, advanced computing, and next-gen manufacturing all depend on affordable energy. Without action, Britain will be left behind. To turn ambition into reality, we need real solutions. Three big challenges for the government: - How do we slash industrial energy costs to stay competitive? - How do we make the UK a top destination for global investment? - How do we power the industries of tomorrow? https://lnkd.in/eN-vk3WK

An important step towards reviving a sector that built Britain’s industrial might. But if British steel is to thrive, we must tackle the biggest barrier: sky-high energy costs. Today, British industry is being held back by some of the highest energy prices in the world. For steel and other energy-intensive sectors like chemicals this is a crisis. It’s not just about legacy industries. The future of AI, advanced computing, and next-gen manufacturing all depend on affordable energy. Without action, Britain will be left behind. To turn ambition into reality, we need real solutions. Three big challenges for the government: - How do we slash industrial energy costs to stay competitive? - How do we make the UK a top destination for global investment? - How do we power the industries of tomorrow? https://lnkd.in/eN-vk3WK

We all know Britain faces a decades long housing crisis that governments of all stripes have failed to address. For too many the promise of home ownership is out of reach.?Nearly one-third of Gen Z adults still live with their parents?because they can't afford to buy or rent. A?record number of children are living in B&Bs. This needs to change. We support Labour's fresh ambition.?Updating the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) is a good first step. But the task ahead is gargantuan. If it was easy it would have already been done. Governing requires responding to industry’s genuine concerns and developing a clear plan to deliver 300,000 homes per year.?Here are four big challenges: 1?? What is being done about chronic skills shortages in construction? 2?? How will stretched local authority planning teams be bolstered to meet the increase in planning applications?? 3?? How can we better stimulate demand? Can more be done to reduce hurdles for first-time buyers? 4?? How will 1.5million new homes be properly balanced to build the necessary mix of private, affordable and social housing? Angela Rayner is right. No more excuses. It's time to meet the challenges head on. https://lnkd.in/en6sDMCq

??Our take on today’s nuclear news. Britain faces a growth crisis, an energy crisis and a climate crisis. All three demand cheap, clean and reliable energy. SMRs are a game changer. Without them we cannot meet future energy demand let alone tackle climate change or power the AI revolution. After decades of delay on nuclear we need to back not block this breakthrough technology. The U.K. split the atom. We once led the world in nuclear. We can do so again. In the process we can lower bills and create a new generation of highly skilled unionised jobs that transforms communities. But only if we create the right conditions. Great to see Labour taking a lead on this issue. We’d now like to see the Government go further by allowing more regulatory alignment between countries. This new nuclear moment is ours to lose as well as gain. https://lnkd.in/gWxcqgyB

More promising news this week for growth?? https://lnkd.in/gwAv9CsE

?? Our Director Gerry McFall's support for UK airport expansion was picked up in LabourList today: “It’s about time someone took decisive action on long debated – and much needed – airport expansion plans that previous administrations have ducked. “Expansion and investment sends a signal to the UK’s global trading partners that Britain is open for business and serious about improving its outdated infrastructure.” The Labour Infrastructure Forum are interested in producing proper policy research to boost growth. Get in touch if you want to find out more. https://lnkd.in/e25SZiDa