Keir Starmer today warned NIMBYs that Net Zero and environmental concerns will not block major infrastructure projects.
The Prime Minister vowed to end the “culture of challenge” of bogus judicial reviews that are delaying major projects such as nuclear power stations, wind farms and roads.
The move appears to mark a milestone as the government faces a major Labor rebellion over the expansion of Heathrow airport. Chancellor Rachel Reeves is expected to support the long-awaited third runway, as well as the development of other airports, within days.
But Sadiq Khan and Energy Minister Ed Miliband are among the senior figures who have voiced their opposition to the plans.
Opponents currently have three options to obtain permission for a judicial review against a major infrastructure project – first by writing to the High Court, then through an oral hearing and finally by asking the Court of Appeal.
Sir Keir announced that the written stage will be scrapped and that any cases deemed 'totally unfounded' will not be able to ask the Court of Appeal for a reconsideration.
In an article for the Mail, Sir Keir said that a 'small minority should not be able to abuse our justice system to hold the country hostage'.
Keir Starmer has vowed to end the 'challenge culture' of bogus judicial reviews that are delaying major projects such as nuclear power stations, wind farms and roads
The move appears to mark a milestone as the government faces a major Labor rebellion over the expansion of Heathrow airport. The photo shows an artistic impression of what the airport could look like
He lashed out at “virtue-signalling” protesters who blocked major developments, saying the government would “End this challenge culture by taking on the Nimbys and a broken system that has slowed our progress as a nation.”
More than half of all major infrastructure projects are currently being challenged in court – sometimes multiple times – causing years of delays and millions of pounds in additional costs.
He said lengthy delays at the courts meant 'roads and railways have fallen into disrepair… homes for hardworking Britons are not being built and businesses are being hit by higher costs.
'And for what? So some people can pat themselves on the back, while others can't get a job or afford a house. At best it is naive. At worst, it is a sign of self-righteous virtue.”
Sir Keir mentioned former Green Party councilor Andrew Boswell, who has used crowdfunded judicial reviews to delay a number of major projects.
Asked today about concerns that conservation could be torn apart by planning and judicial review reforms, Mr Miliband said: 'That's not what it's about.
“It's about making sure people have legal recourse when governments make decisions, and that's a really important right to protect.
“The biggest threat to rural areas and even to the environment is the lack of progress on climate change,” he added.
'I also believe, and this is something that is at the heart of what the government is doing, that we can build clean energy in a way that is positive for nature, whether it's solar farms or the way we think about offshore wind energy.
“We are committed to doing it in a way that is pro-clean energy infrastructure, but also in a way that is also environmentally friendly.”
The proposals came amid growing alarm in the government that slow economic growth could derail Labour's plans.
Rachel Reeves, who is in Davos for the World Economic Forum, made clear yesterday that boosting the economy must trump Labour's sprint to net zero.
Rachel Reeves (right), who is in Davos for the World Economic Forum, made clear yesterday that boosting the economy must trump Labour's sprint to net zero.
Energy Minister Ed Miliband is among senior Labor figures opposing the Heathrow plans
In the clearest statement yet on the government's new priorities, the chancellor said projects that could boost growth should not be held back because they could “add to CO2 emissions in 20 years' time.”
Asked whether she would choose to prioritize the economy or tackle climate change, she said growth was her “mission number one,” adding: “It's clearly the most important thing.”
That position could put her on a collision course with Mr Miliband, who has pushed to make his controversial net zero targets the government's top priority.
Ms Reeves is expected to announce her support for the expansion of Heathrow, Gatwick and Luton airports next week, despite warnings it will end hopes of meeting Britain's climate targets. According to Greenpeace, the measure smacks of desperation.
Beccy Speight, chief executive of the RSPB, said: The Prime Minister claims to be 'clearing a path' for construction, but this move risks undermining our chances of a future where nature, people and the economy all thrive.
'We know people want bold action on the climate and nature crises, which was Labour's election manifesto, and this rhetoric is throwing them completely off course.
“We all know that nature underpins economic growth – which is why government and the environmental sector have been actively working together to deliver better outcomes for both planning and nature – but this rhetoric goes against that spirit of collaboration.”
