Infrastructure top of the agenda

摘要

The Government used the Queen's Speech to make infrastructure investment a core element of its future levelling up' plans, as well as to outline proposals for procurement reform. Unveiling the Government's new legislative programme, the Queen said: 'My Government will strengthen the economic ties across the union, investing in and improving the national infrastructure. Proposals will be taken forward to transform connectivity by rail and bus and to extend 5G mobile coverage and gigabit-capable broadband.' While transport is largely a devolved policy area in Scotland, the careful wording came after another successful election night for the Scottish National Party, and pressure for a second Scottish independence referendum. Local bus and rail networks would be handled by authorities north of the border but the prospect of major infrastructure investment may be used as one element of Westminster's efforts to shore up support for the union.