Guidance

Union connectivity review: terms of reference

Updated 16 November 2020

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Context

The UK government is building a stronger and fairer economy for the future.

To support this aim, the government is keen to understand whether and how connectivity across the UK can support economic growth and quality of life, particularly as the country recovers from the COVID-19 pandemic.

This will be an independent review led by Sir Peter Hendy.

Scope

The government asks Sir Peter to undertake a detailed review of how the quality and availability of transport infrastructure across the UK can support economic growth and quality of life across the whole of the UK.

As part of this review, Sir Peter should consider:

  • the quality and reliability of major connections across the UK
  • likely current and future demand for transport links
  • the environmental impact of policy options (including with regard to climate change)
  • existing work completed by the government on cross-UK connectivity

The review should consider the work across modes to restart and recover from the COVID-19 pandemic, including the Aviation Recovery Plan.

Sir Peter should make recommendations as to whether and how best to improve transport connectivity across the UK in the long term, including how to bolster existing connections. This work should cover transport connectivity between England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland via road, rail and air, and across the Irish Sea.

Any recommendations made by Sir Peter should be consistent with the UK’s wider fiscal strategy and underpinned by detailed, published economic analysis. Sir Peter should ensure that any recommendations he makes have significant benefits to either economic growth or quality of life in the UK.

Sir Peter should also consider in detail:

  • cost
  • feasibility
  • value for money
  • delivery arrangements and the time that recommendations may take to deliver
  • how any projects he proposes should be sequenced

This analysis should be published.

In carrying out his study, the government asks Sir Peter to:

  • consider likely future transport need and technological development in the long-term, which the government defines as the next 20 to 30 years
  • consult widely with relevant government agencies, including the Department for Transport, including its modal teams, Scotland Office, Wales Office, Northern Ireland Office, National Infrastructure Commission, alongside the devolved administrations, local authorities and their infrastructure commissions
  • consult widely with industry, academics, engineering experts and the general public

Timing

Sir Peter will report his findings to the Prime Minister, the Secretary of State for Transport and the Chancellor, and publish his interim report in January 2021 and final recommendations in summer 2021.

Review team

The review will be led by Sir Peter Hendy CBE.

He will be supported by a panel consisting of:

  • Michèle Dix CBE
  • Elaine Seagriff
  • Neale Coleman CBE
  • Professor David Begg

Secretariat support will be provided by the Department for Transport.

Undertakings of confidentiality will be entered into with the Chair and panel as necessary.

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