Queen’s Speech | 7 key bills for construction and infrastructure

Industry Reaction

Civil Engineering Contractors Association director of external affairs Marie-Claude Hemming

“The UK government’s legislative agenda shows a clear commitment to boosting the UK’s recovery from Covid-19 through investing in infrastructure and skills. We welcome news that the government will take steps to simplify procurement in the public sector and look forward to working with all stakeholders to reform this system to the ultimate benefit of the UK taxpayer.

“As part of this, we hope the government will consider the findings of Professor David Mosey’s independent review of frameworks. As the UK emerges from the Covid-19 pandemic, it is vital that we invest in the people and projects that will enable us to build back better, so that we can deliver a high-growth economy and sustainable recovery for businesses and communities in all parts of the UK.”

Arcadis UK cities director Peter Hogg

“In the Queen’s Speech, the government has signalled very clearly that it wants to put Covid behind it and return its focus to the manifesto pledges of 2019. It was surely no coincidence that levelling-up was second only to post Covid recovery. Focus on developing skills and education will be welcome news to businesses with growth constrained by capability, and individuals whose skills are mismatched to a fast changing workplace alike. In light of the Scottish results in last week’s elections, it is no surprise to hear commitment to cross-border infrastructure investment to bind the union together, and measures to simplify procurement will certainly aim to get money into the economy quickly and securely. The government have signalled their continued focus on home ownership, confirming that this is the driving force behind proposed planning reforms and changes to ground rents. Nor are existing home occupiers forgotten with the introduction of the new Building Safety Regulator

“The speech also devoted much time for green issues. As well as a welcome commitment to invest in new green industry, the government signalled greater legislative measures to meet the 2050 Net Zero Carbon commitment. It looks like the government certainly intends to be the ‘Green Blue’ in this legislative programme. Adding in a number of ‘crowd-pleasers’ on immigration, law and order, and fiscal responsibility, we heard a speech that signals a strong commitment to the 2019 manifesto. The key question will be how those commitments will square with the statement within the speech giving another commitment; to stabilising public finances after the impact of the Covid support measures. Mr Sunak will have a busy summer and we will look forward to the Budget and Comprehensive Spending Review this Autumn with interest.”

Turner & Townsend UK managing director Patricia Moore

“While the State Opening of Parliament today may have been a scaled back affair, it certainly wasn’t in terms of legislative content. As a truly global business rooted in the north it is great to see that there remains clear momentum on regional connectivity, decarbonisation, freeports, planning, skills and job creation. Amidst the swathe of announcements in this Queen’s Speech there was also a much-needed nod to overhauling public sector procurement, following the green paper consultation earlier this year. Alongside the focus on skills, procurement is a vital piece of the puzzle if the construction industry is going to step up to deliver the government’s flagship agendas of levelling up, net zero transition and building back better.

“Transforming the delivery of major programmes across the country rests on taking a bolder approach to procurement, and there’s no better time to grasp this potential.  Together, Covid-19 and Brexit have presented us with a compelling opportunity to re-evaluate and reimagine the rulebook – building on the steps the government has already taken with the Construction Playbook and the IPA Project Routemap, both of which we are proud to have contributed to.

“As construction’s biggest client, it is government that needs to lead the charge and initiate this change – speeding up and simplifying processes, prioritising local businesses, investing in new technologies and mandating sustainable procurement solutions. As an industry, we need to see project delivery and procurement strategy not just in terms of time, cost and quality, but the wider benefits for communities – achieving net zero targets, and tackling regional inequalities.  Get this right, and it will shape a create a more capable, resilient and internationally competitive construction sector for the future.”

Railway Industry Association chief executive Darren Caplan

“The Queen’s Speech today confirmed the long-awaited Williams Review White Paper on rail reform will be published shortly and, encouragingly, that investing in and improving national infrastructure to transform connectivity – and creating new jobs and skills to drive growth in sectors such as rail – is seen by the government as key to strengthening economic ties across the UK.

“However, whilst HS2 is described today as being at the heart of the country’s plans to build back better from coronavirus, the Queen’s Speech omits any reference to the eastern leg of the scheme, which takes the high speed network to Leeds. We therefore urge the government to clarify whether the eastern leg will be included in forthcoming legislation, with the publication of the Integrated Rail Plan for the Midlands and North a priority.

“As a recent survey conducted by RIA and the High Speed Rail Group showed, not only do towns, cities and communities across the country depend on the full HS2 route to be delivered in full, but many businesses do too. To ‘build back better’ and level-up all parts of the UK, it is essential HS2 is delivered in its entirety alongside other key rail projects – otherwise we risk missing out on the jobs, investment and economic growth that rail can unleash in the post pandemic years ahead.”

High Speed Rail Group 

“High Speed Rail Group welcome the progression of HS2 from Crewe-Manchester as detailed in the Queen’s speech, evidence that this will be a truly North-South network. As we look ahead, it is important that we have clarification as soon as possible on the programme’s eastern leg and put end to any remaining speculation as to the future of the route from the West Midlands through to Leeds, providing certainty to the supply chain.”

Assael Architecture managing director Pete Ladhams

“The planning system was urgently in need of an overhaul, and we welcome a shortened and more efficient planning process. By eliminating the second tier of potential objections to planning, homes will be built much faster, greatly increasing our chances of reaching the government’s target of 300,000 homes a year.”

Transport for the North acting chief executive Tim Wood

“Today’s Queen’s Speech opened with a statement on levelling up and the need to transform connectivity by rail and bus as part of the agenda. That this is high on the list of priorities is welcome news and must now be met with action as we focus on rebalancing our economy and improving transport links.

“We now need to see commitment to these aims in the upcoming Integrated Rail Plan, including backing the full HS2 and Northern Powerhouse Rail networks. Alongside a sustained pipeline of investment in our roads and active travel provision, this will support the cross-cutting themes of economic recovery and growth out of the Covid-19 pandemic, as well as increasing skills and opportunities for the North’s communities

“Clear targets on climate change are also to be welcomed. Green growth is a big challenge, and one that is a key area of focus for Transport for the North. Our upcoming Decarbonisation Strategy provides a strong evidence base and clear plan for how cutting carbon emissions can be achieved, and offers a vision for future transport networks that will tackle the climate emergency.”

West Midlands mayor Andy Street

“I am really pleased to see the government using the Queen’s speech to take steps to address the skills gap across the country through its Skills and Post-16 Education Bill. Improving people’s skills and education is at the heart of what levelling up means, as it allows people from disadvantaged areas to aspire to and attain high-quality, well-paid jobs.

“Before I became mayor in 2017 the West Midlands had one of the worst skill gaps in the country, but we were able to start addressing this thanks to devolution – namely the £128M Adult Education Budget we took control of. I hope the government will build on this success and continue to look at what more education and skills powers can be devolved to mayors and their local areas. The proposed Levelling Up White Paper will be critical to this, and so I will be working closely with Neil O’Brien and the team in government to make sure further devolution – especially around local decision making and financial powers – is forthcoming.”