Keir Starmer vows to tackle the legal hurdles slowing down infrastructure projects, pledging to end delays caused by objections from local residents and environmental concerns

Sir Keir Starmer has vowed to confront the NIMBY (Not In My Backyard) culture that he argues has been blocking the construction of vital infrastructure across the UK. Speaking on the 23rd of January, Starmer declared that the Labour government would take aggressive steps to reduce legal challenges to major building projects, including roads and power plants, which have faced delays due to local opposition and environmental concerns.

In his statement, Starmer highlighted the need to cut through the “challenge culture” that has stymied progress in recent years, specifically calling out the tendency for projects to be halted over issues like the protection of local wildlife, such as “newts and bats.” He argued that these legal battles have slowed national growth, and it was time to put an end to the “blockers” using court processes to frustrate development.

Starmer’s plan is part of Labour’s broader economic strategy to foster growth by speeding up the construction of critical infrastructure. With several projects having stalled or been delayed due to opposition from local communities and environmental groups, the Labour leader is seeking to ensure that such delays are kept to a minimum. By reforming the legal processes that have allowed NIMBYism to thrive, Starmer hopes to lay the groundwork for more efficient and faster development.

THE GUARDIAN

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer is pushing to streamline the planning process for major infrastructure projects, proposing that high court judges have the authority to block legal challenges deemed “totally without merit.” This move, part of his broader economic growth strategy, aims to reduce delays caused by repeated judicial reviews, which the government argues hinder progress. Critics, particularly environmentalists, warn that the changes could undermine accountability and environmental protections, citing concerns about potential harm to nature. Starmer’s government has also emphasized that economic growth should take precedence, even if it risks pushing back environmental considerations.

LBC

Prime Minister Keir Starmer has announced plans to reduce the chances for opponents of major infrastructure projects to delay progress through legal challenges. The proposed changes will eliminate the written stage of judicial reviews and prevent appeals for cases deemed “totally without merit.” Starmer said this would end the “challenge culture” that has hindered growth, especially in sectors like nuclear power, wind farms, and roads. The government aims to fast-track 150 major infrastructure projects by the next election, despite concerns from critics who argue that environmental protections could be weakened in the process