Transport infrastructure investment not closely aligned with growth priorities, says PM

The Prime Minister today throws down the gauntlet to transport planners to "better align government infrastructure investment with local growth priorities," as she unveils her industrial strategy in a bid to make Britain more competitive.

Theresa May launches an industrial strategy green paper with a call to businesses to strike 'sector deals,' in which Government agrees a range of support including investment in infrastructure. Ultra-low emission vehicle manufacturing is one of the first sectors to hammer out a deal with ministers.

May also announced allocations for an additional £556m for projects chosen by the 11 local enterprise partnerships in the Northern Powerhouse area, including for a Goole Intermodal Terminal linking rail, sea and road links.

The business and energy secretary Greg Clark said a modern British industrial strategy "must close the gap between the the UK’s most productive companies, industries, places and people and the rest". The Federation of Small Businesses commented that the move towards a place-based strategy "fits well with the small business community".

Picture: The Office for Low Emission Vehicles.