Building Confidence: Labour’s Infrastructure Vision for Growth
Written by Verity Barton, Associate Director.
To secure re-election in four years, Labour must show that growth is taking root and change is visible. Infrastructure delivery is central to this—and having a clear strategy is the first step. By placing ownership within HM Treasury, the Government signals its seriousness and ensures funding is close to decision-making, boosting public confidence in delivery.
The publication of a 10-year infrastructure vision sends a strong message: the Government is committed to transformative projects that impact daily life—schools, hospitals, housing, energy, roads, and rail—not just now, but into a second term.
Building on the Blair-Brown legacy, Labour is leaning into private sector partnerships to accelerate delivery and amplify impact. But to unlock private capital, the Government must offer real, investable projects with clear returns and economic benefits.
Ambitious housebuilding targets and the recent Spending Review reaffirm Labour’s commitment. The National Housing Bank and Planning and Infrastructure Bill aim to tackle barriers like capital access and restrictive planning. Meanwhile, investment in energy infrastructure—from Sizewell C to modular reactors and grid resilience—supports net zero goals. Yet, challenges remain in delivering renewables like solar and wind in Labour-held communities. Developers must engage meaningfully with local authorities and residents to build support.
Crucially, the Government’s Infrastructure Pipeline – to be published later this year – must outline investable opportunities, to attract private capital and reinforce confidence in delivery. The prominent placement of private investment in the strategy underscores its importance.