A question for Burnham as he tours the country: how to reduce the magnetic pull of London? | Peter Hetherington
As someone who has specialised in regional policy, I know the task is huge – not least because there is no plan to ensure prosperity throughout England Andy Burnham is off on his travels this week, aiming to reconnect No 10 and the government with voters and communities across the UK. But just weeks before he set out his stall as prime minister, promising to rebalance the economy with growth in…
Andy Burnham, a regional policy specialist, is embarking on a nationwide tour to reestablish communication between No 10 and the government's constituents in towns and communities throughout the United Kingdom. However, shortly after outlining his vision for a balanced economy with growth in every postcode, the government revealed a project that challenges his promise.
The National Highways agency announced plans for the Lower Thames Crossing (LTC), a colossal tunnelling machine, 16.4 meters wide, to be the largest of its kind in Europe. This venture, costing between £10bn-£11bn, will be England's most expensive road, tunneling under the Thames. The Lower Thames Crossing, spanning 14.5 miles, is a highly debated 2.6-mile-long project on the edge of Greater London.
Critics, including local councils, argue it will only provide short-term congestion relief and cause irreversible damage to ancient woodland and habitats. So far, the government has pledged £3.1bn for the tunnel, hoping to secure the remaining funds from private investors.
Written by urgent.news from Guardian Business's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
