Cut the red tape and let Britain grow

In December, YouGov asked Britons which New Year’s resolutions they planned to make for 2025. As always, pledges to spend less, gain better health and be more positive came top of the charts - they usually do. What is New Year’s, but a good excuse for a clean break after all. 

This year, it is not just the public but the government that has taken the opportunity to start fresh. Coming out of a rocky few months, being seen to spend less (as ever), being more positive (much needed), and getting the economy in better shape (tenuous, I know) are welcome. However, it isn’t stopping there. And, while ‘growing’ is not a typical resolution (usually the opposite), it is squarely at the top of the government’s list.

Speaking to business leaders at Siemens yesterday, Reeves’ message was simple: our economy must be growth-led. It sounds easy and intuitive, but it’s not—at least not here. Putting national growth first means putting other things—the environment, ecology, public perception, and party politics—second. Anyone who’s ever been to the UK knows this has not been the case for many years.

At the heart of the strategy is delivering nationally significant infrastructure projects (NSIPs). The government has pledged to sign off 150 NSIPs in this parliament – no mean feat (in the last five years, the Conservatives made decisions on 70). To do this, its approach is twofold: cut planning red tape to speed up delivery and provide government support to boost investor confidence. Indeed, yesterday, the list of good-to-go projects was long and varied. It included seven new reservoirs, redevelopment around the Manchester United Stadium, East - West Rail, Lower Thames Crossing and expansion at Gatwick and Luton Airports – with the flourish of supporting a third runway at Heathrow.

As part of the planning communications team at SEC Newgate UK, specialising in NSIPs, I can vouch for how complex and convoluted the planning system can feel. This step change in tone is welcome and matches the real action we’ve seen in the energy sector since Labour came to power. Timely decisions are made on large-scale applications, commitments are made to provide a clear policy framework for projects to come forward, and consistently supportive statements are made by ministers. Translating this enthusiasm into other sectors will be key, but ensuring that the public is brought along on the journey is an opportunity that shouldn’t be missed. Making a positive case for nationally led economic growth (jobs, green skills, living standards, cost of living) should be at the front and centre of the government’s communications strategy.

As ever, don’t let the deceptively intuitive message of ‘growth first’ fool you. Cracks will inevitably show and deepen as time passes and elections creep closer (see London Mayor Sir Sadiq Khan speaking out about Heathrow already today). Currently, the tide of fresh Labour MPs is enthusiastic about growth with the government. However, the long lead in times for these types of projects means that the fruits of yesterday’s speech will likely not be harvested for many months or even years. Will the government keep firm and in control of its party as it lays these (quite literally) controversial foundations.

Indeed, the same YouGov survey found that only 1 in 6 people kept their New Year resolutions for 2024. So, let’s hope the government can begin to demonstrate action to back up its welcome commitments. As a starter, keep your eyes on Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander, who sits with the Gatwick and Luton expansions on her desk, ready for take-off in the next few months.