Opinion - All-Party Parliamentary Group for Project Delivery Chair, Henry Tufnell MP

APPG for Project Delivery, Chair Henry Tufnell MP

This Parliament has the opportunity to deliver the projects that are urgently needed to improve lives and boost living standards across all corners of the UK.

That is why I am so thrilled to be chairing the new All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for Project Delivery. Alongside my brilliant parliamentary colleagues, we are launching an inquiry into infrastructure projects as our first call to action.

When it comes to major projects, examples of delays, cost overruns, and inefficiencies are well documented. These problems stop communities from accessing vital infrastructure like transport links, hospitals, schools, and energy systems that they so desperately need.

By ensuring that our national infrastructure projects are delivered in the best and most efficient way, we can not only improve access to essential services, but we can create good skilled jobs and boost economic growth.

So, the APPG’s inquiry could not be more timely. The Government has launched NISTA (National Infrastructure and Service Transformation Authority) and has set out its infrastructure strategy. We have high hopes for these Government initiatives, but we recognise that to deliver change, these initiatives need support and momentum, and that is what we believe our inquiry can achieve.

Through our inquiry we will examine how the Government can improve the way major infrastructure projects are planned and executed. By hearing examples of best practice and working with professionals at the heart of vital projects, we can make a great contribution to the efforts to improve national infrastructure delivery in this country.

This brings me to the most important part of this piece. For our inquiry to make an impact, it cannot be informed only by discussions in Westminster. We want to hear from project professionals, engineers, organisations, and academics from all around the UK.  If you have never contributed to a parliamentary inquiry before, I can assure you that the process of submitting written evidence is very straightforward – and we want to hear from you! All the information on how to get involved is on the APPG for Project Delivery website (http://bit.ly/4iNpDQR). This inquiry is an opportunity to ensure that your voices are heard, so we can support the development of a system that delivers infrastructure efficiently, effectively, and at pace. Even if you’re a professional from outside of infrastructure and you feel you can make a contribution, please send in written evidence to APPG Project Delivery contact@appgprojectdelivery.org.

My hope is that this new parliamentary body will be a strong voice in Parliament and a forum where we can come together to drive these important projects forward. By working together, we can ensure that the UK delivers infrastructure that supports economic growth, creates jobs, and improves lives.