As we approach the end of the year, I wanted to share a short update on behalf of the Lower Thames Crossing Consortium, reflecting on the progress we’ve made together and looking ahead to what’s coming next.
Ministerial Response to Consortium Advocacy
Following the Consortium’s letter to the Chancellor ahead of the Budget, we were pleased to receive a formal response from Simon Lightwood MP, Minister for Roads and Buses, on behalf of the Department for Transport.
In his letter to Jim Dickson MP, Chair of the Consortium, the Minister thanked the Consortium for its collective support and reaffirmed the Government’s continued commitment to the project, describing the Lower Thames Crossing as:
“the most significant road building scheme in a generation, which will relieve congestion at the Dartford Crossing and improve connectivity across the UK and to major ports, improving resilience and reliability for freight.”
This is a strong and welcome endorsement, and a clear reflection of the value of coordinated, cross-industry advocacy. You can view the letter here.
What This Means Going into the New Year
As we move into 2026, this ministerial response provides important momentum as the project progresses through early works and towards full delivery. It reinforces:
- The national importance of the Lower Thames Crossing, well beyond Kent and Essex
- Government recognition of the project’s role in supporting freight, trade, and economic resilience
- The impact that a united business and stakeholder voice can have in shaping the conversation
Building on this, the Consortium will continue to focus on growth-led advocacy, political engagement, and showcasing the project’s benefits across local, regional, and national audiences.