The ICE engaged with the Liberal Democrats, the Labour Party and the Conservatives to find out what they have in mind for energy, transport, housing and more.
It’s been another busy party conference season in the UK, and the ICE has been engaging with decision-makers to gather insights on their plans for infrastructure.
The institution has summarised the takeaways that matter most to members and the public from its interactions at the three largest party conferences:
In its role as an independent charity, the ICE offers trusted advice to politicians and decision-makers on how to plan and deliver the infrastructure the world needs to thrive.
Engaging with them at these events is an important way the institution does this, alongside regular communication with representatives of all political parties in Westminster throughout the year
What were the main themes from the party conferences?
Halving energy prices by 2035 was one of the headlines from the Lib Dems conference in Bournemouth.
This came alongside announcements on skills and transport, and broad support for the Labour government’s net zero policies – though their direction on planning is less popular.
Labour built on a busy summer of infrastructure announcements with updates on new towns and Northern Powerhouse Rail.
Delivery, devolution, and skills were among the topics popular at fringe events, while excitement – and uncertainty – about the future of AI remained atop the agenda.
The Conservatives, meanwhile, U-turned on several parliaments’ worth of net zero progress with a pledge to scrap the Climate Change Act 2008.
Kemi Badenoch’s party also promised to cut public spending by £47 billion, mainly on welfare and foreign aid, in a clear response to the growing threat of Reform UK.
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