ICE manifesto for General Election 2017
Nick Baveystock, ICE Director General, writes about ICE's manifesto for the upcoming General Election 2017.
The next few weeks will see endless debate about the nature of leadership and what is best for the UK. Inevitably some of the debate will be informed, some won’t. I am repeatedly asked what the ICE line is.
The answer is quite simple: ICE doesn’t have a view on who governs the UK. That is wholly a matter for the electorate. But ICE has a very clear view on the value of proper infrastructure in enabling economic prosperity. Bluntly, our economy is built on infrastructure. Without transport, energy and decent housing our economy just won’t function.
I have endless discussions in Westminster about the critical importance of the City to the UK. The City is vital but the infrastructure and construction sectors are bigger. And, more importantly, for every pound spent on infrastructure 92p is spent in the local region. We have to get the message across to policy makers and those who would govern us that we neglect infrastructure at our peril.
So what? You don’t need me to point out that infrastructure is a long-term game. Our children and grandchildren will have to use what we build today. Irrespective of who governs the country the need for long-term thinking and planning based on properly researched evidence and with clear economic and social outcomes remains paramount.
Sir John Armitt commissioned just such a piece of pan-industry work, drawing on his contacts across society, academia and visiting every part of the UK to test conclusions.
The National Needs Assessment (NNA) is the result. The NNA highlights the importance of understanding how UK population demographics affects what we need, how the UK is at the very forefront of technology but that we must invest to stay there and how, despite what some say, UK infrastructure continues to be delivered on time, to budget and to quality.
As I travel extensively overseas the UK is held up as the exemplar for doing infrastructure well. If asked, the ICE’s manifesto calls are:
- Implement the NNA.
- Protect ourselves from a Brexit skills 'own goal'.
- Do everything possible to attract investors from the UK and overseas to back modern, innovative infrastructure.
ICE is engaging with all major political parties, with the manifesto writers, with the media and with opinion formers to get over this simple message: effective, efficient and innovative infrastructure is at the heart of a thriving, successful and modern economy.
Every one of us, irrespective of political persuasion must continue to hammer home this simple message. Too often engineers complain they are not listened to, this is our chance.
Professionals owe policy-makers balanced dispassionate advice. You, our members, are perfectly placed to be the voice of infrastructure through the campaign. You are the experts in your field with up-to-date, relevant informed knowledge. There is no one better to make that case. Do not be shy.
This article was originally published here on 3 May 2017 by ICE. It was written by Nick Baveystock, ICE Director General.
--The Institution of Civil Engineers
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
Featured articles and news
Definition of Statutory in workplace and facilities management
Established by IWFM, BESA, CIBSE and BSRIA.
The general election and the construction industry
As PM, Rishi Sunak announces July 4 date for an election.
Tackling the lack of knowledge or confidence in heat pumps
The CICV Green Home Festival part of the Edinburgh Fringe.
Home improvements swapped for green energy upgrades
As applications down since and desire to reduce bills up.
Eco apprenticeships continue help grow green workforce
A year after being recognised at the King's coronation.
The Use of Natural Insulation Materials in Retrofit
New paper from STBA with support from SDF.
National Retrofit Hub in partnership with InstallerSHOW.
Permitted development rights for agricultural buildings
The changes coming into effect as of May 21, 2024.
Biodiversity and the built environment digital series
The nature of building, with CIOB and CWP.
A call for prevention and sensitive re-use.
Risks to the long-term effectiveness of the BNG scheme
National Audit Office publish review of Biodiversity Net Gain.
The CIAT principal designer register
Providing assurance and verification of the capability and competence of registered ATs.
Building Safety recommendations and Northern Ireland
The NI roadmap to improving safety in high rise residential.
Specifying rendered external wall insulation for fire safety
How to interrogate the evidence provided to the specifier.
The benefits of writing articles for your organisation
How to create a profile for your organisation and publish for free.
Scottish Government action to reach net-zero targets
Retrofit expert group highlight critical actions needed.
A forward thinking, inclusive global community of members.