The UK general election gives the construction industry a real opportunity to make the case for infrastructure, says Andy Walker in his latest editor's comment.

In the editor's comment for our September/October last issue, I said that the industry needed to press the case with politicians for good and sustainable infrastructure. Well, with the calling of a general election on 12 December, the construction sector has a real opportunity to make that case and all the signs are that infrastructure spending is going to be centre stage during the campaign.

All the main parties are talking about infrastructure and increasing government spending on major schemes. This is long overdue and to be welcomed. Of course, it places great responsibility on the industry to deliver – especially on major projects – but with extra money planned for construction the entire sector should be set for a boost whoever forms the next government after 12 December.

It’s also good to see climate change and the environment at the top of the political agenda during the political campaign. The infrastructure sector has an absolutely key role to play in tackling the climate emergency facing the UK and indeed the world, so this is another cause for optimism for our industry, given the opportunity it gives us to raise profile with politicians and opinion formers.

There’s plenty of coverage on both the election and the environment in this issue as we report on a hectic end to what has been an uncertain year for the construction sector and the UK generally. Hopefully 2020 will be a better year and one that sees infrastructure take centre stage.

Until the next issue, our 40th incidentally, may I wish you best wishes for the festive season and a happy, peaceful and prosperous new year. 

Andy Walker is the editor of Infrastructure Intelligence.

Click here to download the November/December edition of Infrastructure Intelligence.