Labour set out long-term plans for Britain’s infrastructure

Today, Ed Balls, Shadow Chancellor, will announce Labour’s long-term plans for Britain’s infrastructure.

Speaking at the UK Infrastructure Conference, he will say that Labour’s first Queen’s Speech would include legislation to establish an independent National Infrastructure Commission, that would help to focus on long-term infrastructure decision.The Commission’s chair would be appointed on a cross-party basis.  Balls will say Labour have already published a draft Bill to fast-track the plans through Parliament this year.

Alongside this measure, Balls also publish a draft remit for this Commission, which outline 10 infrastructure goals for Britain to work towards over the next 10 years.

The idea for a National Infrastructure Commission first came a report Labour commissioned.

Balls will explain at the conference the importance of these long-term plans:

“For too long successive governments have ducked and delayed the vital decisions we need to take for the long term. As a country we have got to stop kicking big decisions into the long grass.

“So in our first Queen’s Speech after the election we will act. We will establish an independent National Infrastructure Commission to identify our long-term infrastructure needs, from energy to flood defences and transport.

“The Commission will then ensure government comes up with credible plans to meet them – and hold Ministers’ feet to the fire to deliver those plans.

“We need an ambitious vision to ensure Britain has a transport network that spreads prosperity to every part of the country, is the best place in the world to do scientific research and meets the challenge of climate change.

“Infrastructure investment is vital to boosting growth and productivity in a way which raises living standards for the many, not just a few at the top. That’s why it is a key part of Labour’s economic plan.”