Executive summary
- The United Kingdom (UK) consistently struggles to build major infrastructure projects (such as roads and railways) quickly, at scale or cost-effectively. This hinders Britain’s national objectives, economic growth and prosperity.
- The UK’s overly complex and slow-moving planning process, along with frequent legal challenges, has made delivering infrastructure projects both expensive and time-consuming.
- Recent government efforts, such as the Planning and Infrastructure Bill and a 10 Year Infrastructure Strategy, aim to speed things up. However, in order to address these challenges, His Majesty’s (HM) Government should go even further by introducing strict consultation deadlines, setting ambitious targets for physical and digital connectivity, regularly benchmarking project performance internationally and mandating construction material supply audits for major projects.
Disclaimer
This publication should not be considered in any way to constitute advice. It is for knowledge and educational purposes only. The views expressed in this publication are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Council on Geostrategy or the views of its Advisory Council.
Image credit: Image generated using Artificial Intelligence, inspired by Motorway traffic, nailzchap, Canva Pro licence
No. 2025/15| ISBN: 978-1-917893-06-0
