As the country prepares to go to the polls tomorrow for the 2024 General Election, the construction industry turns its focus to the next government
Polls from 2 July have predicted a 40% majority for Labour in the 2024 General Election, with the Conservatives forecast to win an equal or lesser number of votes than the Liberal Democrats.
Nigel Farage’s Reform UK party is predicted to win up to seven seats and the Greens to secure two of their four targeted seats.
The mood amongst the Conservative campaign seems to be one of resignation, with work and pensions secretary Mel Stride saying to ITV’s Good Morning Britain today: “What I’m saying is very clear, which is that all the polls are pointing to one very clear conclusion tomorrow: a Labour government with a huge, huge majority.
“But what I’m also saying – and this is where I agree with Boris – is that it is not too late to make sure that we have an opposition in there, Conservative MPs who are able to hold that government to account.”
Housing, planning and net zero are key concerns of the UK construction industry
Sean Keyes, CEO, Sutcliffe
“When the General Election was announced in May, I spoke about the three main topics that impact us as a business: housing, the economy and the NHS. As has been clear over the last six weeks, these issues resonate deeply with voters. The worsening housing crisis needs to be solved promptly, something I promise to hold the next government to account for as both parties have made promises to build more houses.
“That said, be it the miss-management of the NHS or the lack of investment in social housing, these issues directly impact people’s quality of life and so I hope that the new government, rather than seeing these issues as a political hot potato to pass around aimlessly, takes them seriously and prioritises them for the good of the nation.”
Dave Dargan, co-founder and CEO, Starship
“As we’re likely to see a change of government, this General Election is a pivotal moment in shaping the country’s future. Whether it is solving the worsening housing crisis or investing in a comprehensive plan to achieve its sustainability targets, now is the time for the next government to be as bold as their manifestos suggest.
“But it’s not just a numbers game, I believe the construction industry to be the focal point of how we can solve many of the country’s issues, such as improving the quality of life for the general public, generating employment opportunities, promoting sustainable development and addressing social issues through affordable homes.”
Steve Malkin, chief executive officer and founder at Planet Mark
“The next government will be sitting for a period of up to five years, years that are critical to climate action. For too long, we’ve neglected putting net-zero at the heart of policymaking, seeing it as a hindrance rather than an opportunity.
“We now need to lead. It is crucial for the next government to craft an inspiring narrative for change and provide the necessary resources to support it. This is particularly important for SMEs who have been left in the dark with no clear timeline for emissions reduction or government assistance to facilitate the transition.”
Andrew Griffiths, director of policy & corporate development at Planet Mark
Andrew is also an elected member of the Institute of Directors and co-founder of the Carbon Accounting Alliance.
“We are quickly approaching several crucial climate tipping points. It is vital for the next government to recognise net zero as an investment opportunity, paving the way for a cleaner, healthier, and more prosperous society.
“To do this, the new Government needs to first set a policy-driven timeline and deadline for businesses to report at least Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions on an annual basis to deliver emissions transparency. It also needs to encourage education and training in the green sector to fill the crucial demands from businesses for carbon emissions measurement, reductions and strategy.”
