The ICE engaged with the newly elected UK government at the 2024 Labour Party Conference in Liverpool.
This year’s Labour Party Conference, the party’s first since coming to power in 2024, had the largest attendance in its history.
With the government having been in office less than three months, new policy announcements were rare, with these expected at the upcoming Budget on 30 October.
1. Engaging with government
The ICE held a reception with Energy Minister Lord Hunt and ICE director general Dr Janet Young.
MPs and peers, industry leaders, and party delegates joined to discuss the importance of infrastructure in achieving the government’s cornerstone missions.
Attendees heard how infrastructure professionals – and the advice of independent bodies such as the ICE – are crucial to unlocking growth and decarbonising electricity.
2. Making capital projects a success
Dr Young also spoke at an Association for Project Management panel about major capital projects.
Answering how to “make the Labour manifesto a reality”, Dr Young highlighted the importance of clear outcomes and certainty for the private sector.
A compelling narrative, she said, is also essential.
ICE research shows that only 3% of the public think cost is the most important success factor for infrastructure.
Ministers should instead focus on communicating the whole-life benefits of projects, such as connectivity and job creation.
3. More news on Labour’s Industrial Strategy
Chancellor Rachel Reeves confirmed that an industrial strategy green paper will come alongside the Autumn Budget, with the full document following in spring 2025.
The Chancellor committed to investing in new industries, technologies, and infrastructure to aid regional growth and speed up the transition to clean power by 2030.
This aligns with the ICE's recommendation to develop regional infrastructure pipelines that address local skill gaps.
4. Unlocking planning reform
The government has made multiple pledges relating to planning reform since coming to power.
These include restoring mandatory local housing targets and releasing more green belt land for development.
Discussions at the conference focused on the need for new brownfield ‘planning passports’ to speed up the approval process for urban sites such as car parks.
The ICE’s response to proposed planning reforms highlights the need for more flexible planning to secure better long-term outcomes for communities and the environment.
5. Accelerating decarbonisation
Following Energy Secretary Ed Miliband’s conference speech, the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) announced new schemes to fund energy efficiency improvements in council homes.
Miliband also highlighted the need to progress with clean power and demonstrate global climate leadership.
The ICE has encouraged the UK government to focus efforts on international climate diplomacy ahead of COP30. It must also show that the UK is a credible international leader in decarbonisation.
6. Supporting devolution
In his keynote speech, Prime Minister Keir Starmer emphasised the government’s commitment to devolution, with metro mayors and local leaders advocating for funding certainty.
Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham highlighted that single financial settlements are essential to enable local decisions that could have more value for public money.
Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner also confirmed the government’s commitment to “complete devolution in the North”.
The ICE has advocated for a national transport strategy for England that can enable long-term planning, maximise the wider benefits of transport investment, and support devolution.
However, subnational bodies need clearer roles, more powers, and more funding certainty.
What’s next?
The ICE will be attending the Conservative Party Conference in Birmingham and engaging with the opposition on key infrastructure policy developments.
In case you missed it
- Read the ICE’s blog on takeaways from the 2024 Liberal Democrats Party Conference.
- Our rolling blog outlines what the new UK government is doing about infrastructure.
