Rachel Reeves Unveils Major Infrastructure Plans to Boost UK's Economy
Chancellor Rachel Reeves announces government backing for a third Heathrow runway, new reservoirs, and regional growth initiatives as part of a broader strategy to stimulate economic growth.
Chancellor Rachel Reeves has revealed a series of government-backed infrastructure projects designed to boost the UK economy, including plans for a third runway at Heathrow Airport, regional developments, and green energy investments.
Reeves confirmed that the Heathrow expansion, approved in 2018 but delayed by legal challenges, could create up to 100,000 jobs and aims to be operational by 2035, despite opposition from local authorities and environmental groups.
The government is also supporting expansions at City, Stansted, and Luton airports, as well as reopening Doncaster Sheffield Airport.
Reeves outlined plans to turn the Oxford-Cambridge region into 'Europe’s Silicon Valley,' with transport and housing projects expected to add £78 billion to the UK economy.
Additionally, £7.9 billion will be invested in building nine new reservoirs, including the Fens and Abingdon reservoirs, to address water scarcity.
Reeves also announced a £65 million investment in electric vehicle charging infrastructure and £28 million for raw materials for renewable energy projects.
Other projects include the redevelopment of Manchester United’s Old Trafford stadium and a £9 billion road tunnel under the Thames River, called the Lower Thames Crossing.
While most of the announcements focus on England, Reeves emphasized collaboration with devolved governments to ensure the benefits are felt across the UK, including a £1 billion investment zone in Wrexham and Flintshire.
The government also plans to invest in Glasgow's regional development.
Reeves confirmed that the Heathrow expansion, approved in 2018 but delayed by legal challenges, could create up to 100,000 jobs and aims to be operational by 2035, despite opposition from local authorities and environmental groups.
The government is also supporting expansions at City, Stansted, and Luton airports, as well as reopening Doncaster Sheffield Airport.
Reeves outlined plans to turn the Oxford-Cambridge region into 'Europe’s Silicon Valley,' with transport and housing projects expected to add £78 billion to the UK economy.
Additionally, £7.9 billion will be invested in building nine new reservoirs, including the Fens and Abingdon reservoirs, to address water scarcity.
Reeves also announced a £65 million investment in electric vehicle charging infrastructure and £28 million for raw materials for renewable energy projects.
Other projects include the redevelopment of Manchester United’s Old Trafford stadium and a £9 billion road tunnel under the Thames River, called the Lower Thames Crossing.
While most of the announcements focus on England, Reeves emphasized collaboration with devolved governments to ensure the benefits are felt across the UK, including a £1 billion investment zone in Wrexham and Flintshire.
The government also plans to invest in Glasgow's regional development.
