An open letter to MPs: Delivering the planning and infrastructure reforms the UK needs

James Harris, group executive chair, Mott MacDonald, this week was signatory to an open letter to MPs in support of the UK governments Planning and Infrastructure Bill. Here is the letter in full:

We write as 13 of the UK’s leading Tier 1 contractors and consultants, responsible for designing, financing, constructing, operating, and maintaining the infrastructure that keeps the UK economy moving, people housed, secure and connected, and the lights on.

The Planning and Infrastructure Bill is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to unlock growth, accelerate critical projects, and strengthen the UK’s competitiveness. The choices made now will determine whether the country seizes this moment – or let it slip away.

Communities, businesses and economic growth are being held back by a planning system that is too slow, uncertain, and costly. Delays to vital infrastructure – from transport to energy – are costing the economy billions.

This Bill is vital to ensure the UK remains a place where businesses can invest confidently and infrastructure can be delivered cost effectively and swiftly.

Robust debate is crucial. However, we ask parliamentarians and Government to approach the passage of the Bill with the focus and urgency required. Homes, transport links, and energy projects must not be placed in limbo when they should be driving growth, prosperity and strengthening our resilience.

We urge MPs to grasp the scale of this opportunity and support the Planning and Infrastructure Bill without diminishing its ambition. This is not just about cutting red tape – it’s about delivering a modern, world-class and affordable infrastructure system. The stakes couldn’t be higher.

The UK cannot afford to wait. Now is the time for leadership and action.

Signatories:

• Chris Ball, president – UK & Ireland, AtkinsRéalis
• Leo Quinn, group chief executive, Balfour Beatty
• John Wilkinson, chief operating officer, BAM, UK & Ireland
• Alex Vaughan, chief executive officer, Costain
• Kate Kenny, Europe executive vice president and general manager, Jacobs
• Andrew Davies, chief executive officer, Kier Group
• Cathal O’Rourke, group chief executive officer, Laing O’Rourke
• Mark Reynolds, executive chairman, Mace
• James Harris, group executive chair, Mott MacDonald
• Katy Dowding, president and ceo, Skanska UK
• Scott Wardrop, chief executive, VINCI Construction
• Richard Offord, chief executive officer, VolkerWessels UK
• Paul Reilly, UK&I president and managing director, WSP