No sooner had Sir Keir deftly pickpocketed the keys to No.10 from the outgoing Rishi Sunak, than he was the object of heartfelt congratulations from two of our industry’s trade bodies, the CEA and CPA.
Both had latched onto Labour’s various election commitments to do with housebuilding, investing in infrastructure and the need for decarbonisation. The first two might help stimulate business, that’s for sure, the latter, well it’s a challenge. As an aside, it will be interesting to see the government’s response to the calls for evidence for NRMM decarbonisation.
That’s if the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero, Department for Transport and last, but by no means least, the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs, can actually get their heads together. Above all, the government needs to move quickly to define the way ahead and determine the extent of its intervention to support NRMM decarbonisation.
Unsurprisingly the CEA is fully aligned with Labour’s direction, with Viki Bell, operations director, saying “decarbonisation remains a critical priority for us. Labour’s substantial investment of £23.7 billion in green measures during the next parliament emphasises the central role of green policies in driving growth and prosperity. We anticipate robust support from the Labour Government in advancing innovative technologies, including electric and hydrogen-powered machinery. Establishing a national alternative fuel infrastructure is essential, and we look forward to contributing to these transformative efforts.”
Interestingly the CPA’s policy manager, Chris Cassley, adopted a more forceful tone, stating that “the new government must work with the construction industry in addressing critical issues such as decarbonisation and reaching net zero, improving productivity and business investment, building the new homes that we desperately need, and renewing our ageing infrastructure.
“All of this requires a long-term vision and consistency from government in how policies are developed and implemented. Providing the stability and economic foundations needed for lasting economic growth comes only from engagement with industry in understanding the challenges companies face – and how they can be overcome.”
While both organisations are clearly lobbying for the interests of their members without being too strident, it’s the CEA which raises the slighty taboo topic of closer ties with Europe, with Viki Bell saying that “we urge the new government to ensure regulatory stability and alignment with European standards, vital for maintaining our international competitiveness. Together, we can adopt a sustainable, innovative, and prosperous future for the UK construction equipment sector.”
These are all fine words and sentiments, and let’s just hope that we see the necessary investment and suitable policies under this government to produce the desired results and satisfactory outcomes. However, the paralysis and intransigence over HS2 is probably not the best omen.
Happy reading,
The CPN team.
