Foreign Office minister Hamish Falconer has voiced strong disappointment over Labour leader Keir Starmer's decision to cut funding for two major road projects in the East Midlands to bolster defense spending. Falconer stated he would seek an urgent meeting with Starmer to address his concerns.
The decision, announced as part of a new Defense Investment Plan (Dip), will see "some capital projects, for example on roads and energy, which are important but not immediately vital, will no longer go ahead as planned," according to the Prime Minister. The Department for Transport will contribute up to £700 million in savings from roads funding towards the Dip, with specific plans for the potential cancellation of the A38 Derby Junctions and A46 Newark Bypass schemes, which have not yet entered into contract.
Falconer, whose constituency includes the A46 Newark Bypass scheme, argued that the upgrade program is well advanced, long-awaited, offers excellent value for money, and holds strategic importance for the region. He expressed concern that locals might view the cancellation of the A38 upgrade as a impediment to economic growth.
East Midlands Mayor Claire Ward also condemned the decision, calling it "completely unacceptable" and highlighting that the East Midlands is the only region being asked to forgo £900 million in road investment. She argued that this fails to recognize decades of underinvestment and questioned the equity of the trade-offs.
All government departments were reportedly asked to contribute one percent of their capital budgets toward the Dip. The Treasury has indicated that more detailed plans on project cuts will be shared by Autumn, though further specifics beyond the two road schemes were not immediately provided.