National Infrastructure Commission created

A new independent National Infrastructure Commission (NIC) has been created to provide unbiased analysis of the UK’s long-term infrastructure needs.

Lord Andrew Adonis will lead the Commission as its first chairman.

Commenting on the National Infrastructure Commission the Chancellor George Osborne said: “The Commission will calmly and dispassionately assess the future infrastructure needs of the country and it will hold any government’s feet to the fire if it fails to deliver.

“I am delighted that the former Cabinet Minister and Transport Secretary Andrew Adonis has agreed to be the Commission’s first chair and help us create Britain’s plan for the future.”

Lord Adonis said: “Without big improvements to its transport and energy systems, Britain will grind to a halt. I look forward to establishing the National Infrastructure Commission as an independent body able to advise government and Parliament on priorities. Major infrastructure projects like Crossrail and major new power stations span governments and parliaments. I hope it will be possible to forge a wide measure of agreement, across society and politics, on key infrastructure requirements for the next 20 to 30 years and the assessments which have underpinned them.”

Lord Adonis will sit on the crossbenches in the House of Lords while chairing the NIC, to underpin its independent status.