UK MPs discuss ICE recommendations on transport investment

UK MPs attending a recent Westminster Hall debate heard how transport decisions should consider long-term benefits – as the ICE has long argued.

Speaking to the transport minister, Catherine Atkinson MP emphasised the importance of rail investment in the government’s mission to drive economic growth.

“This debate is an opportunity for us to highlight the importance of infrastructure,” Atkinson said.

She stressed that projects benefit the economy, not just locally, but nationally as well. They also support jobs, skills growth, and physical and social mobility.

“As the Institution of Civil Engineers has said, decision-making needs to give weight to the benefits of infrastructure investment,” Atkinson argued.

The debate

All backbench MPs can raise a debate in Westminster to examine a specific policy area. The minister in charge of the area, and their opposition, get a chance to speak in the debate.

Simon Lightwood MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Transport, agreed with Atkinson.

“Increasing infrastructure investment is a vital part of delivering on our number one mission of growing the economy,” Lightwood responded.

Learning lessons

This relates to a Transport Select Committee inquiry in December 2023, to which ICE Policy Fellow Jonathan Spruce contributed evidence.

Spruce argued that a national transport strategy would provide clarity and long-term certainty.

“It would allow us to view infrastructure as an investment, not a cost,” he said. “Not spending more – but spending wisely, by making the right strategic decisions and committing to delivering them.”

A 2023 ICE policy paper called for a national transport strategy for England to set out what infrastructure the country needs, where, and when. The government has since committed to delivering such a strategy.

What’s next?

The ICE engages with MPs, ministers, and government officials to inform infrastructure debate at all levels.

This includes briefing MPs and their teams in advance of important debates related to infrastructure.

The ICE will continue to engage with the select committee, the Department for Transport, and MPs to ensure future decisions provide the best long-term outcomes for society.