CIHT recognises the increasingly challenging international environment and the UK Government's need to strengthen national defence capabilities through the Defence Investment Plan (DIP). National security is fundamental to the UK's resilience and prosperity, and investment in defence is both necessary and justified. 

However, transport infrastructure funding should not be viewed as competing with defence investment. A reliable and resilient transport network is a strategic national asset. It supports economic security, military mobility, supply chains, access to employment and services, and the growth needed to fund public services and national priorities over the long term. 

The proposed reductions to the third Road Investment Strategy (RIS3), including the potential cancellation of schemes such as the A38 Derby Junctions and A46 Newark Bypass, raise important questions about short-term fiscal savings and long-term economic benefits.  

CIHT understands the pressure on public finances and the difficult choices facing the UK Government. However, funding certainty and a stable pipeline of transport infrastructure projects are essential to maintaining domestic connectivity.  

Strategic transport investment delivers enduring returns through improved productivity, reduced congestion, better connectivity, greater resilience, and support for housing and employment growth. Investment supports industry confidence, enables effective long-term planning, secures value for money, and help retains the skills and capacity needed across the sector. 

As the UK Government considers how to fund defence investment, CIHT urges that transport infrastructure continues to be recognised as a critical enabler of economic growth, national resilience and net zero ambitions.  

Any changes to planned transport investment should be assessed carefully against their wider economic, social, environmental and security impacts, so that decisions taken today do not undermine the UK's long-term prosperity and competitiveness. 

Across NATO and Europe, there is growing recognition that resilient transport infrastructure is essential to military mobility and national security. The ability to move personnel, equipment and supplies efficiently depends on well-maintained roads, bridges, ports and rail connections that can support heavy loads and provide reliable access during times of crisis. 

Transport investment therefore delivers a dual dividend. It supports economic growth and connectivity in peacetime while strengthening the UK's preparedness, resilience and contribution to allied defence objectives. As the UK Government considers changes to RIS3, the strategic role of transport infrastructure in both economic prosperity and national security must be fully recognised. 

Defence and transport investment are not mutually exclusive. Both are essential to building a stronger, more resilient and more productive United Kingdom. 

CIHT will be writing to the UK Government calling for recognition that transport and domestic transport connectivity is a critical enabler of economic growth, national resilience and net zero ambitions and remains a vital national asset in need of maintenance and investment.  

CIHT looks forward to continuing to work with the UK Government and industry partners to ensure that transport infrastructure investment continues to support the UK's wider strategic ambitions and that transport networks remain fit for the future.