Nick Raynsford appointed chair of infrastructure group

A new all party parliamentary group has been formed to lobby the government on infrastructure, the new planning bill and transport development.

Chaired by former construction minister Nick Raynsford, the group already has 35 MPs and Lords signed up.

Members include Conservative shadow transport minister Stephen Hammond, London First chief Baroness Valentine and former Environment Agency chief Baroness Young.

The group is planning meetings throughout 2009 to focus on the ramifications of the new planning bill and other infrastructure issues.

Nick Raynsford said: “There has never been a more important time to ensure the maintenance and improvement of our nation’s infrastructure.

“In the current economic climate major infrastructure projects can provide the opportunity for boosting employment today, with the very real prospect of strong returns on investment in the medium and long term.

“I am looking forward to chairing what will be a very active group with a strong programme of events over the coming year.”