Members of the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Infrastructure (APPGI), senior industry leaders, and Members of Parliament, gathered this week at One Great George Street in Westminster, the historic headquarters of the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE).
Guests listened to a keynote speech from Darren Jones, Chief Secretary to the Treasury, who outlined the government’s ambitious plans for the UK’s infrastructure and what these mean for industry, investors, and the public.
APPGI chair, Mike Reader MP, and ICE director general, Dr Janet Young, also spoke about the institution’s latest briefing paper ‘Paying for Britain’s Infrastructure’. The paper examines how the UK government can better engage the private sector to increase infrastructure investment.
2025 marks a transformative moment for the UK’s infrastructure policy. The UK government will publish the long-awaited 10 Year Infrastructure Strategy alongside the Spending Review in the spring, providing a roadmap for future investment and economic growth.
The National Infrastructure and Service Transformation Authority (NISTA), will oversee the strategy, driving more effective infrastructure delivery across the country.
NISTA will be the new government body responsible for infrastructure from 1 April. It will combine the expertise and functions of the Infrastructure and Projects Authority (IPA) and the National Infrastructure Commission (NIC) to bring infrastructure strategy and delivery together.
The government’s approach follows a commitment to end ‘short-termism’ in infrastructure development, provide long-term certainty, and attract private sector investment.
Darren Jones, Chief Secretary to the Treasury, said:
“We all recognise the importance of delivering the infrastructure that this country needs. There is a shared energy about getting this right and seizing this moment so that the country can move forwards.
“Infrastructure is important in itself but improving delivery will result in tangible change and achieve better outcomes for the people who use infrastructure.
“Infrastructure is what connects, powers, and protects the people and businesses of Britain and that is why it’s an essential part of the government’s growth mission.”
Mike Reader, MP and chair of APPGI said:
“The APPGI stands as the bridge between policy and progress, ensuring that the foundations of growth aren’t built on political cycles, but on strategic vision, sustainability, and genuine public engagement.
“By bringing together parliamentarians, industry leaders, and technical experts, the APPGI creates a platform designed to ensure that infrastructure remains at the forefront of Parliament’s agenda, transforming our economy, strengthening our communities, and safeguarding our environment. I am thrilled to have chaired it, and to have hosted the Right Honourable Darren Jones for our reception.”
Dr Janet Young, director general, ICE, said:
“Working together to communicate the benefits of infrastructure to the public continues to be a priority for the ICE and APPGI, particularly as we approach the Spending Review and publication of the 10 Year Infrastructure Strategy.
“Infrastructure is an investment in our future, and we’re eager to learn more about the government’s plans to spark economic growth and accelerate the green transition.
“The APPGI plays an important role in gathering government and industry stakeholders; together we can communicate the long-term benefits of infrastructure and provide the clarity needed for plans to move forward.”
