UK Government to Limit Legal Challenges on Major Infrastructure Projects

Labour plans to streamline judicial reviews and prioritize economic growth, raising concerns from environmental groups.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced reforms to restrict legal challenges against nationally significant infrastructure projects, reducing delays and costs.
The changes include scrapping the paper permission stage and limiting appeals for cases deemed 'totally without merit' by High Court judges.
Chancellor Rachel Reeves emphasized the need to prioritize growth over regulatory hurdles, citing past delays to projects like Sizewell C and East Anglia wind farms.
The proposed reforms aim to address what the government calls a 'challenge culture,' but environmentalists warn of reduced accountability and potential harm to climate goals.
Labour's push for growth includes controversial support for airport expansions, such as a potential third runway at Heathrow, despite opposition from some party members and local leaders.