Rachel Reeves says mission for growth is a higher priority than Labour's net zero goals

23 January 2025, 05:54

British Finance Minister Rachel Reeves speaks during a press conference after the 11th China - UK Economic and Financial Dialogue in Beijing on January 11, 2025.
British Finance Minister Rachel Reeves speaks during a press conference after the 11th China - UK Economic and Financial Dialogue in Beijing on January 11, 2025. Picture: Getty

By Henry Moore

Bringing growth to the British economy is a higher priority than Labour’s net zero goals, Rachel Reeves has said.

Listen to this article

Loading audio...

Launching a fresh push for growth, the Chancellor said boosting the economy is the most important goal of Keir Starmer’s government.

Ms Reeves said growth projects should not be held back “because they ‘might add something to carbon emissions in 20 years’ time.”

When asked if she would prioritise economic growth over preventing climate change, she said “It’s obviously the most important thing.”

It comes as Sir Keir Starmer is set to promise he will end the "challenge culture" that saw major projects such as nuclear power plants, wind farms and roads delayed by unarguable bids for judicial review.

Read more: Starmer takes on the NIMBYs: PM to tackle infrastructure 'blockers' by cutting legal challenge options

We need to do more to grow our economy, says Rachel Reeves

Opponents currently have three opportunities to secure permission for a judicial review against a major infrastructure project - firstly by writing to the High Court, then in an oral hearing and finally by asking the Court of Appeal.

But under plans set to be announced by the Prime Minister on Thursday, the written stage will be scrapped and any cases deemed "totally without merit" will be unable to ask the Court of Appeal to reconsider.

The Prime Minister will say: "For too long, blockers have had the upper hand in legal challenges - using our court processes to frustrate growth.

"We're putting an end to this challenge culture by taking on the Nimbys and a broken system that has slowed down our progress as a nation.

"This is the Government's Plan for Change in action - taking the brakes off Britain by reforming the planning system so it is pro-growth and pro-infrastructure."

Britain's Prime Minister Keir Starmer and his wife Victoria speak to guests as they host a reception in Downing Street in London, Wednesday, Jan. 22, 2025 to celebrate Burns Night
Britain's Prime Minister Keir Starmer and his wife Victoria speak to guests as they host a reception in Downing Street in London, Wednesday, Jan. 22, 2025 to celebrate Burns Night. Picture: Alamy

Thursday's announcement follows Sir Keir's pledge before the election to put the Government on the side of "builders, not blockers", as Labour sees improving Britain's infrastructure as key to its mission of securing economic growth.

Writing in the Daily Mail, Sir Keir said: "Cases that are unarguable and unwinnable can be brought back to the courts three times. That causes years of delay. It costs hundreds of millions of pounds. It clogs up the courts. And strangles growth.

"The entire country pays the price.

"Bringing back common sense to building is the least this country deserves. Because if we want growth, we need the infrastructure to support it."

The Government has already committed to making 150 major infrastructure project decisions by the next election, and on Wednesday announced changes to environmental protection rules to speed up building work.

More Latest News

See more More Latest News

A petition calling for major driving licence changes has received almost 100,000 signatures

Petition calls for ban on newly-qualified drivers carrying passengers under 25

The Princess of Wales has shares portraits drawn by her three children during the half-term break.

Princess of Wales shares heartwarming portraits drawn by George, Charlotte and Louis - but who drew who?

Double Olympic champion and Tour de France winner Geraint Thomas will retire from cycling this year.

Tour de France winner and double Olympic champion Geraint Thomas to retire from cycling at end of season

A 13-year-old boy has died and five others have been arrested following  a car crash on A672 Oldham Road.

Boy, 13, dies and five others arrested as Vauxhall Corsa spins off road in horror car crash

Lisa Smith, 43, was named by Kent Police

Pictured: Mother-of-two shot dead at pub on Valentine's Day - as police search river Thames for partner

Julia Wandelt who has claimed to be Madeleine McCann

Woman who claims to be Madeleine McCann releases bombshell new DNA test results

Pope Francis will need to remain in hospital with a respiratory tract infection

Pope to remain in hospital with infection as doctors tackle 'complex clinical picture'

One lucky punter scooped £65m on the EuroMillions

Lucky UK ticket-holder claims £65m Valentine's Day EuroMillions jackpot

A life-drawing class that has been running for over 30 years has been told its models must cover-up or find a new venue.

Models at life drawing class in posh London neighbourhood told to cover up over child 'safeguarding' concerns

Exclusive
An investigation by LBC can reveal there are more than 1.1m homes sitting empty across England - the equivalent of one in every 23.

More than 1.1m homes sitting empty across England as thousands left at risk of homelessness

William Howell was found dead in the Aria Casino Hotel in August 2023

Heartbroken family of British man 'left alone to die' in Las Vegas suing ambulance company and hotel where he died

Conor Maynard shared a health update after his fall

Singer Conor Maynard gives health update after being rushed to hospital on stretcher

Lisa Smith, 43, has been named by Kent Police as the victim of the shooting on Valentine's Day

Mother-of-two shot dead at pub on Valentines’ Day is named - as tributes paid to ‘wonderful mum’

Bafta winners

Conclave and The Brutalist win big at 2025 BAFTA awards - as absent Gascón nomination met with rousing applause

Jennifer Rauchet, Pete Hegest, US defence secretary, and Wladyslaw Kosiniak-Kamysz, Minister of Defence of Poland, during a welcoming ceremony in Warsaw, Poland, on February 14, 2025.

Ukraine is the 'frontline' of Britain, Starmer says as US begins peace talks with Russia

A fire that engulfed luxury hotel Chiltern Firehouse reportedly started in a pizza oven.

Fire that engulfed celebrity haunt Chiltern Firehouse 'started in pizza oven' of luxury hotel