The reality of the Labour Party's recent historic election victory is starting to take shape. Appointments, speeches, and a very full legislative agenda show the nature of its programme, not least across transport. But with reform comes responsibility on the part of the transport sector. Industry now has to step up.
In Jo Field's recent article, she described the nature of Labour's victory and the stable direction of travel she highlighted has become more evident just a few short weeks later.
The experienced list of Ministers in transport, including Lord Hendy and Lilian Greenwood, has now been built upon with an extensive list of legislation in the King's Speech.
Rather than going for one 'mega' Bill, there are instead six transport-related Bills – two rail bills, a high-speed rail bill ('repurposing' part of HS2), and a buses bill, as well as a bill on sustainable aviation fuel. But transport also features heavily in the English Devolution Bill, with local leaders being provided with "enhanced powers over ... local transport networks". For more on the Bills, read the King's Speech briefing pack.
Any new government wants to make the most of the political capital at its disposal and, with a big majority as well, Labour knows that this is its chance to make progress quickly.
But with changes across transport comes responsibility for the sector. It has choices to make. Some will doubtless believe that the failure to make progress in recent years has been down to political instability, Brexit, the failed Truss experiment, the revolving ministerial door, high inflation, and other issues. These undoubtedly have not helped, but that does not mean that the sector itself should feel immune from criticism.
In the first place, the sector needs to work with government in ensuring that the changes proposed will be effective. If you want to call that lobbying, then fine, but the reality is that any government needs the advice and input of the sector to ensure that its plans are fit for purpose.
But the sector also needs to reflect on its own behaviors and approaches to ensure that the opportunities being opened can be delivered upon. The reality is that by the time of the next election, potentially early 2029, Labour will have had to deliver significant change if it wants to win again. Not least, the clean energy by 2030 mission will need to be on the verge of happening.
The sector companies and individuals can decide to take an active role in facilitating delivery or wait to see what emerges. Worse still, some could choose to snipe from the sidelines.
The more active ones will have a better understanding of policy, will be better networked, and will engage with decision-makers. In other words, reputations can be enhanced and work opportunities found.
Governments and clients have memories as well. Those organizations who choose to wait on the sidelines or do not think about changes they may need to make to how they work will risk their reputations.
This is not about being party political but about helping the delivery of good government at all levels. Policy in many areas, not just transport, has stood still but that has now clearly changed.
Bringing industry expertise together with officials from across government departments is the only way for the transport proposals to work. But it is an opportunity that the industry needs to grasp.
