Lord Adonis today criticised the “very disappointing” announcement to push back a planning decision for the Silvertown tunnel in east London.

This project was one of 12 that the chairman of the National Infrastructure Commission identified in his post-election statement in June as crucial, and which the Government must press ahead with urgently.

But today the Government announced that a decision would now not be taken until May 2018 – seven months later than initially expected and introducing a further six-month delay into the process, on top of the month’s delay introduced four weeks ago.

Lord Adonis said:

“Another Thames crossing is desperately needed to ease congestion, improve air quality and support the further development of east London.

“Today’s announcement to further delay a decision on the proposed Silvertown tunnel is very disappointing, halting progress and leaving communities in limbo.

“I strongly urge Ministers to act swiftly and to bring an end to this latest delay much more quickly than in six months time, so we can make progress on this much needed crossing.”