Heathrow and housing: Griffith pledges ‘most ambitious deregulation project’ in generation

Andrew Griffith, the shadow chancellor, has pledged to introduce the "most ambitious deregulation project in a generation" if the Conservatives win the next election. The reforms could potentially cut the price of a new home by £50,000, according to party analysis. Griffith plans to slash red tape for businesses in construction, supermarkets, and nuclear energy sectors, aiming to end planning delays and rejuvenate the City of London.

The Conservative government would also abolish the quangos Natural England and the Environment Agency, replace infrastructure project charges with a single levy, and scrap environmental standards on housebuilding. Additionally, the Extended Producer Responsibility, often referred to as a "packaging tax," would be removed. These reforms would collectively reduce the cost of living and home prices.

The shadow chancellor will also announce that the UK would leave the Aarhus Convention, an international treaty granting public rights to environmental decisions, to expedite nuclear energy plant construction and other critical infrastructure. Griffith's speech will also pledge a "can do" attitude towards Heathrow Airport's third runway, which is crucial for Britain's trading relationships.