Labour leader Keir Starmer has unveiled an infrastructure strategy that excludes the contentious A27 Arundel bypass, reallocating resources to road repair initiatives.
- The £320 million bypass project, previously deferred by the Conservative government, faces further delay under Labour’s manifesto plans.
- Labour aims to fix one million potholes annually by redirecting funds from the A27 project, highlighting its perceived poor value for money.
- The proposed 10-year infrastructure plan promises efficiency, avoiding overruns in other road and rail projects, and enhances certainty for private investors.
- A National Infrastructure and Service Transformation Authority is proposed to streamline strategic priorities and project delivery across sectors.
The Labour Party, under the leadership of Keir Starmer, has opted to exclude the A27 Arundel bypass from its infrastructure commitments. This significant move reallocates the estimated £320 million intended for the bypass to instead address an ambitious road repair campaign aimed at fixing a million potholes annually. The decision underscores Labour’s view of the bypass as a poor investment, continuing its deferral beyond the present Conservative government’s road investment strategy.
The bypass, a project anxiously awaited by the Linkconnex consortium, comprising Bam Nuttall, Aecom, and Mace, was initially proposed in 2018. Labour’s manifesto has firmly prioritised other initiatives, sidelining the project further, much to the disappointment of industry lobbyists advocating for consistent national infrastructure policies. Nevertheless, Labour offers a broader, long-term infrastructure vision, introducing a 10-year plan anticipated to infuse stability and predictability into the investment landscape.
Labour’s manifesto articulates a clear commitment to preventing cost and time overruns in road and rail constructions, a pledge appearing to contrast with the bypass deferment. The party plans to achieve this through meticulous strategy development, providing private sectors with transparent project timelines and expectations. The introduction of the National Infrastructure and Service Transformation Authority signals a notable shift toward centralised oversight, potentially amalgamating bodies like National Highways and Great British Railways, though specifics remain undefined.
In a broader policy context, Labour is set to revolutionise planning and procurement processes. The manifesto includes proposals to update the National Planning Policy Framework, restore mandatory housing targets, and redefine land designations to meet contemporary needs. These reforms extend to enhancing local governance capabilities and fostering small and medium enterprise growth through improved procurement practices. The agenda delineates a shift towards sustainable practices, with plans for publicly owned energy solutions and enhanced public and active travel infrastructure, indicative of Labour’s forward-thinking orientation.
Labour’s infrastructure strategy marks a strategic pivot in resource allocation, focusing on modernising public assets while sidelining the Arundel bypass.
