All-party MPs to champion infrastructure

A new parliamentary group was launched yesterday to look at key infrastructure issues including energy security and flood prevention.

The all-party panel, which will also tackle transport development, will be chaired by former construction minister Nick Raynsford.

Other members include Conservative shadow transport minister Stephen Hammond, chief executive of London First Baroness Valentine and former chief executive of the Environment Agency Baroness Young. The Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) will provide secretarial services.

Raynsford said: “There has never been a more important time to ensure the maintenance and improvement of our nation's infrastructure.

“In the current economic climate major infrastructure projects can provide the opportunity for boosting employment today, with the very real prospect of strong returns on investment in the medium and long term.

“I am looking forward to chairing what will be a very active group with a strong programme of events over the coming year.”

ICE director general Tom Foulkes added: “The new Planning Bill is going to lead to a raft of national infrastructure planning statements over the coming year, with ramifications for everything from energy security to flood prevention.

“We must all work together to ensure important issues are highlighted and the necessary action taken to keep UK plc functioning at the highest possible standard.”

The launch came the same day that London mayor Boris Johnson chaired the first meeting of a panel set up to help guide the UK capital through the recession. The mayor urged central government to invest in infrastructure as part of a strategy to survive the crisis.