Civils contractors publish manifesto for post-Brexit growth 8th May 2017
Civils contractors have published a manifesto setting out the infrastructure policies the next Government must pursue to secure economic growth post-Brexit. Delivering Post-Brexit Growth, published by the Civil Engineering Contractors Association (CECA), sets out the following key priorities for the UK after the 2017 General Election. CECA advises the next Government that it must: • Maintain and build upon the existing infrastructure pipeline • Deliver a Government Industrial Strategy with a construction sector deal • Rebalance investment across the UK • Guarantee the rights of EU workers living in the UK as a matter of urgency • Protect the pound via public procurement • Commit to remote onshore wind power. Commenting, CECA Director of External Affairs Marie-Claude Hemming said: “We believe that irrespective of the results of the forthcoming General Election, all parties must commit to delivering long-term economic growth through infrastructure investment. “If we are to ensure that the UK remains an attractive place to live and work, the next Government must ensure the existing infrastructure pipeline is delivered, that investment in infrastructure continues to drive job creation and growth, and that steps are taken to rebalance the UK economy. “At the same time, Britain’s future outside the European Union affords us the opportunity to implement procurement reforms that will deliver better value for the UK taxpayer. “The Government must ensure that the process of negotiating Britain’s exit from the EU must not cause a loss of focus in delivering the schemes needed to tackle congestion and keep the lights on. “Any delay or changes to the existing pipeline of projects will unsettle the markets and undermine business confidence. “This could discourage long-term investment in UK infrastructure, which would be bad news for Britain’s businesses and communities, and the strategic interests of the country as a whole.”