Uploaded March 2026 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
Rebuilding Britain: the infrastructure crisis Speeches Battle of Ideas Festival
#ukinfrastructure
#britishpolitics
#housingcrisis
#constructionindustry
#publicpolicy
The UK’s infrastructure is at a crossroads. Decades of underinvestment and misdirected investment have left transport networks congested, energy systems under strain, digital connectivity patchy, sewers clogged, towns flooded, bridges crumbling and housing targets seemingly unattainable.
But what is the actual problem? How believable are the government’s plans? How do we balance local concerns with national housing and infrastructure needs? If we can’t maintain existing networks, how can we possibly create the next generation of infrastructure, like AI networks, smart systems, modular homes, autonomous vehicles, 3D printing, drone deliveries and low-carbon energy systems?
The speakers on the panel are:
Paul Finch OBE - programme director, World Architecture Festival
Ben Flatman - architectural editor, Building Design and Building; author, Birmingham: Shaping the City
Shelagh McNerney - head of regeneration, Manchester City Council
Christopher Worrall - industry fellow, Onward; commentator on housing, planning, and political realignment
Chair - Austin Williams - director, Future Cities Project; honorary research fellow, XJTLU, Suzhou, China; author, China’s Urban Revolution
Volunteers working with the charity WORLDwrite filmed 50 debates at the Battle of Ideas Festival. The charity now needs your help to keep its edit suites switched on. Please chip in if you can by visiting the charity's JustGiving page at justgiving.com/charity/worldwrite Or hit the Donate button below the video. Thank you for your help and for watching.
Please subscribe to our channel.
Rebuilding Britain: the infrastructure crisis Speeches Battle of Ideas Festival
#ukinfrastructure
#britishpolitics
#housingcrisis
#constructionindustry
#publicpolicy
The UK’s infrastructure is at a crossroads. Decades of underinvestment and misdirected investment have left transport networks congested, energy systems under strain, digital connectivity patchy, sewers clogged, towns flooded, bridges crumbling and housing targets seemingly unattainable.
But what is the actual problem? How believable are the government’s plans? How do we balance local concerns with national housing and infrastructure needs? If we can’t maintain existing networks, how can we possibly create the next generation of infrastructure, like AI networks, smart systems, modular homes, autonomous vehicles, 3D printing, drone deliveries and low-carbon energy systems?
The speakers on the panel are:
Paul Finch OBE - programme director, World Architecture Festival
Ben Flatman - architectural editor, Building Design and Building; author, Birmingham: Shaping the City
Shelagh McNerney - head of regeneration, Manchester City Council
Christopher Worrall - industry fellow, Onward; commentator on housing, planning, and political realignment
Chair - Austin Williams - director, Future Cities Project; honorary research fellow, XJTLU, Suzhou, China; author, China’s Urban Revolution
Volunteers working with the charity WORLDwrite filmed 50 debates at the Battle of Ideas Festival. The charity now needs your help to keep its edit suites switched on. Please chip in if you can by visiting the charity's JustGiving page at justgiving.com/charity/worldwrite Or hit the Donate button below the video. Thank you for your help and for watching.
Please subscribe to our channel.
