Government

Transport secretary  Chris Grayling has said he "sees no need" to continue membership with the European Union Agency for Railways (ERA) after the UK's departure from the European Union. The ERA develops procedures for rail safety and operability and is responsible for legislation regarding rail manufacturing and operation. At present…

Northern Powerhouse Rail (NPR) is a more urgent priority than HS2, a House of Lords committee has said. A report from its economic affairs committee, published today, stated that the priority for investment in the rail network should be focused more on the north of England. The committee said: “We…

National Infrastructure Commission chair Sir John Armitt has written to the chancellor, warning that "tweaks to existing policy" will not be enough to deliver strong infrastructure policy. The infrastructure boss has called on the government to fundamentally shift its current strategy and commit 1.2 per cent of GDP to infrastructure…

The Committee on Climate Change, independent advisers to the government, has recommended that all new buildings in the UK should be net zero carbon by 2050. In a new report, the body has made suggestions such as fitting all new buildings with low-carbon heating systems, which would tackle the use of…

Former construction minister Nick Raynsford has claimed his successors are not in the post for long enough to understand the industry. Mr Raynsford, who held the role from May 1997-June 2001, told Construction News: “Ministerial appointments in recent years have been far, far too short.” The former Labour MP for…

The Department for Transport has approved funding for a new £212m link road to reduce congestion in Warrington.

Central government will provide £142m towards the cost of the new road, known as the Western Link, which is designed to reduce congestion by moving traffic away from Warrington town centre. Warrington Borough Council will fund…