Mott MacDonald responds to the King’s Speech 2026

Bills to improve fair payment and the water, transport and energy industries welcomed

King Charles III’s speech at the State Opening of Parliament today set out planned new laws for the next Parliamentary session.

Rachel Ellison, operations director for UK and Europe at Mott MacDonald, welcomed the recognition of the critical role world class infrastructure plays in the UK’s economic security in the King’s Speech. Commenting on the proposals set out in the Late Payment Bill, she said: “Late payment remains a longstanding challenge across the infrastructure and construction sector. The Late Payments Bill announced today represents a significant step forward by strengthening the framework around payment terms, statutory interest and enforcement. These are all essential to driving more consistent, responsible behaviour across the industry.

“At Mott MacDonald, we are already committed to fair payment practices and are working towards the Fair Payment Code for SMEs. The reforms outlined under the new Bill reinforce the direction of travel the industry needs to take. By improving cashflow certainty, reducing risk across the supply chain and supporting smaller suppliers, these changes will help create a more resilient and sustainable construction market.”

Mott MacDonald transport manager director for UK and Europe Tony O’Toole said: “The direction set out today signals a clear intent to keep the UK building and modernising its transport networks.

“Unlocking airport expansion, progressing key road schemes like Lower Thames Crossing and delivering Northern Powerhouse Rail will be vital to improving connectivity and driving growth across regions. Alongside this, rail reform through Great British Railways provides the foundation for a more integrated and customer-focused rail network.

“Ultimately, the test will be in how quickly this translates into delivery on the ground and we look forward to playing our part in turning ambition into reality.”

Mott MacDonald water consultancy development manager Keith Macpherson responded to the legislation put forward today for the water industry: “The plans for the Clean Water Bill mark a significant step towards stronger environmental performance and long-term resilience across the water sector. The Bill presents an opportunity to scale up nature-based solutions and embed whole-life outcomes alongside traditional infrastructure investment to deliver transformational change.

“Realising this potential will call for earlier engagement with multi disciplinary design teams, ensuring that engineering, environmental, digital and operational expertise are brought together from the outset. Careful transition planning will be essential to maintain momentum during the current investment cycle while continuing to deliver the commitments to improved outcomes for communities and ecosystems.”

Mott MacDonald managing director of energy for UK and Europe Claudio Tassistro responded to the announcement about the Nuclear Regulatory Taskforce Review:

“It’s encouraging to see the UK government’s commitment to long-term energy independence and clean power reinforced. The intention to act on the Fingleton [Nuclear Regulatory Taskforce Review] recommendations to streamline the construction of nuclear power plants is the most significant reset of the UK’s nuclear regulatory system in more than 20 years.

“These reforms have the potential to materially reduce both the cost and delivery timeline of new nuclear, which is critical to achieving net zero and energy security. We are already working closely with our clients, regulators and key stakeholders to implement these recommendations.

“The Energy Independence Bill will strengthen the country’s energy mix by balancing reliability, affordability and sustainability.”