Politics

The UK Government has officially granted development consent for the Lower Thames Crossing, a major infrastructure project aimed at enhancing connectivity between Kent, Thurrock, and Essex. This decision marks a pivotal step in addressing longstanding transportation challenges in the southeast of England.

In the first Spring Statement since her appointment as Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rachel Reeves MP outlined a comprehensive strategy aimed at ushering in a ‘new era of security and national renewal’ for the United Kingdom. This plan focuses on bolstering economic growth, enhancing national security, and implementing significant reforms to public services and infrastructure.​

The UK Government has unveiled the Planning and Infrastructure Bill, a pivotal component of its strategy to rejuvenate development and bolster economic growth. This legislation aims to expedite the construction of new homes and critical infrastructure, aligning with the Government’s Plan for Change milestones, which include building 1.5 million safe and decent homes in England and fast-tracking 150 planning decisions on major economic infrastructure projects by the end of this Parliament.

On 30 January 2025, Sir Chris Bryant MP, the UK’s Minister for Data Protection and Telecoms, delivered the keynote address at the TMT World Congress 2025. His speech outlined the Government’s vision for economic growth through advancements in digital infrastructure and technology.

This week, the Secretary of State for Business and Trade announced the appointment of 32 Parliamentarians covering 79 markets to the United Kingdom’s Trade Envoy programme.

Ahead of her speech next week on the Government’s Plan for Growth, the Chancellor of the Exchequer – Rachel Reeves MP – has announced a package of investment reforms to spur regional growth across the country and attract investment into all corners of the UK. This includes a new approach across the National Wealth Fund (NWF) and the Office for Investment (OfI), which will work with local leaders across the UK to support places to build pipelines of incoming investment and projects linked to regional growth priorities.