‘I think he’s sensible’

Billy Odell Tucker-Robinson Founder & Host — Banking With Billy Network • Intelligence Network • Data Science • AI Research • World News
Published: 2026-09-01T17:51:05.824Z • Permanent link

New developments have emerged in the ongoing saga surrounding Keir Starmer's decision to invest in the Thames Tideway Tunnel project. The £9.2 billion infrastructure scheme, aimed at reducing sewage pollution in the River Thames, has been met with both praise and criticism from various quarters. Former Prime Minister Boris Johnson, a vocal critic of the project, had previously expressed concerns over the costs and benefits of the scheme. However, in a recent interview, Johnson was quoted as saying that he thinks Starmer's decision is sensible, stating that the benefits of the project outweigh the costs.

The Thames Tideway Tunnel is a major infrastructure project that will see the construction of a new tunnel under the River Thames to carry sewage away from the city. The project has been in the works for several years, with Starmer's decision to invest in it seen as a major coup for the Labour Party. The tunnel will be built by a consortium led by Mott MacDonald, a UK-based engineering firm, and is expected to be completed by 2029. The project has already generated significant attention and scrutiny, with many questioning the costs and benefits of the scheme.

Data from the Environment Agency suggests that the Thames is one of the most polluted rivers in the UK, with sewage pollution being a major contributor to the problem. The new tunnel is expected to reduce sewage pollution in the river by up to 75%, making it a major step forward in protecting the environment. Starmer's decision to invest in the project has been welcomed by environmental groups, who see it as a major victory for the Labour Party's commitment to reducing pollution.

The impact of the Thames Tideway Tunnel project will be felt far beyond the city of London, with significant implications for the environment, businesses, and communities across the UK. The project is expected to create thousands of jobs during construction and will provide a major boost to the local economy. However, critics have raised concerns over the costs of the project, with some arguing that the benefits do not justify the expense.

Companies such as Thames Water, the utility company responsible for maintaining the sewer system, have welcomed the project, seeing it as a major opportunity to reduce costs and improve efficiency. Research communities have also expressed support for the project, with many arguing that it will provide a major boost to the UK's environmental record. However, markets have been less enthusiastic, with some analysts warning that the project could have significant implications for the UK's infrastructure sector.

The Thames Tideway Tunnel project is part of a larger pattern of investment in infrastructure projects across the UK. The government's commitment to investing in infrastructure has been a major focus of its policy agenda in recent years, with significant funding being allocated to major projects such as the HS2 rail line and the Northern Powerhouse. However, the project has also been compared to the HS2 project, with some arguing that the benefits of the Tideway Tunnel do not justify the expense.