MP Presses Government Over Funding Delays to Lower Thames Crossing

Mark Francois has voiced frustration in the House of Commons over what he described as a lack of progress on the proposed Lower Thames Crossing.

The MP for Rayleigh and Wickford questioned whether the multi-billion-pound scheme will ever move forward, citing mounting congestion on key routes in south Essex. Speaking during Transport Questions on 12 February, he said the A13 and A127 are operating at almost full capacity during peak hours and argued that the new crossing would help ease the pressure.

However, Mr Francois raised concerns about how the project will be financed, claiming that while the Government has suggested it will be 90 per cent privately funded, no details have been provided about who those investors might be. He pressed ministers to clarify which companies, banks or financial institutions would cover the majority of the costs, adding that some Essex residents fear the scheme may never be delivered.

The Lower Thames Crossing, planned to run beneath the Thames Estuary downstream of the Dartford Crossing, was first proposed in the late 2000s and received formal approval last year.

Responding on behalf of the Government, Lilian Greenwood rejected suggestions that the project was stalling. She told the Commons that the Government remains committed to delivering the necessary road infrastructure and confirmed that public funding will be used to begin the project, with further details expected in the coming months.

Mr Francois has repeatedly sought clarification on both the construction timetable and the funding structure.

Meanwhile, work is continuing behind the scenes to prepare the workforce for the scheme. The Lower Thames Crossing Skills Taskforce, chaired by David Blunkett, met for the second time this week to review progress and address upcoming labour challenges.

Launched last year, the taskforce aims to develop the green skills required to meet the project’s low-carbon ambitions while helping tackle skills shortages across the construction sector. With around 35,000 vacancies nationwide in construction, the initiative is focused on creating job opportunities, apprenticeships and long-term benefits for local communities.

The meeting coincides with preparations for construction and the opening of the project’s first Skills Hub. Natalie Bonnick, Head of Supply Chain Development, Skills, Education and Employment, said the taskforce is working with local stakeholders to ensure the project leaves a lasting skills legacy. She highlighted the opening of a Skills Hub in Gravesham, more than 1,000 hours of STEM engagement with schools and colleges, and the onboarding of a new group of apprentices as signs of progress.

As the Lower Thames Crossing moves closer to construction, attention remains split between political debate over funding and the practical steps being taken to prepare the workforce needed to deliver the project.