4 d. ago Overblown infrastructure projects damage lives and imperil democracy. Why is Britain addicted to them? | George Monbiot

The Lower Thames Crossing proves the point. It’s a white elephant plan, sucking money from local projects that could actually improve livesThere appear to be two main determinants of what infrastructure gets built. The first is whether it provides large and lucrative contracts for powerful corporations. The second is whether ministers can pose beside it in hard hats and yellow jackets. Otherwise, it is hard to explain the decisions made.Both determinants favour large and spectacular schemes. Big corporations don’t want to dabble in minor improvements: real money comes from prestige projects over which governments cannot afford to lose face, ensuring that they keep throwing cash, however high the budget spirals. And few ministers want to pose beside a new bus stop: a grand ego demands a grand setting.George Monbiot is a Guardian columnist Continue reading...

Events

1 week ago Motorists fume as fees at Dartford Crossing are set to soar by 40%

The announcement that prices at the crossing are set to rise from September 1 was met with criticism from drivers

Politics

1 week ago Dartford Crossing fee rises are ‘revenue raiser’, motoring groups claim

Transport minister Lilian Greenwood announced fees for the crossing will rise from September 1.

Politics

1 week ago Minister talks of 'Dartmouth Tunnel' as £590m pledged for Lower Thames Crossing

Minister talks of 'Dartmouth Tunnel' as £590m pledged for Lower Thames Crossing  London Evening Standard

Politics

1 week ago Treasury minister Emma Reynolds suffers live interview meltdown as she has no idea of cost or location of new £10bn River Thames crossing she is announcing

Emma Reynolds was announcing a package of infrastructure spending on LBC when the toe-curling moment happened.

Politics

1 week ago Minister in 'Dartmouth Tunnel' blunder as she announces another £590m for Lower Thames Crossing

The Lower Thames Crossing aims to cut congestion at the Dartford Tunnel

Politics