A Clear Vision For UK İnfrastructure Could Kick-start Economic Growth

Earlier this month, the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) published a report setting out recommendations for NIP 2, due out this autumn.

Commenting on Nick Clegg’s recent speech at the LSE, ICE Director General Tom Foulkes, said: “The commitment to a ‘vision’ for UK infrastructure, the prioritisation of key projects that could kick-start economic growth and direct ministerial responsibility for delivering these projects is encouraging news. The work of Lord Green and Lord Sassoon in proactively promoting the UK as an attractive place to invest will also be vital in building much needed confidence among potential private investors.

“However, the real show of Government’s commitment to infrastructure as a long term driver of growth will be the imminent second edition of the National Infrastructure Plan. A plan that is simply a long list of projects stretching into the far future or a cross Whitehall compendium of initiatives, will not succeed. It must be tightly focussed, setting out what the UK needs from its infrastructure and clear steps to attracting the necessary investment. It should also map out how Government will create a political, regulatory and commercial environment that is conducive to achieving the goals of the plan. NIP 2 presents an opportunity that cannot be missed.”