Ben Derbyshire, President of the RIBA, spoke out on priorities for architects on Brexit and the Industrial Strategy at a fringe event at Conservative Party Conference this week (Sunday 1 October).
Derbyshire was on a panel with Professor Charles Egbu (Vice President, CIOB), Hew Edgar (Policy Manager, RICS) and Stephen Wilkinson (President, RTPI). They were also joined by Mary Robinson, Conservative MP for Cheadle and Member of the Communities and Local Government Select Committee.
The panel agreed that it was important that the sector continues to act as one voice on a number of critical issues on Brexit, including retention and access to talent, international standards, and ability to export among them. These concerns reflect the key priorities in the sector in the RIBA’s Brexit membership survey.
The government’s Industrial Strategy is also seen as an important opportunity for both industry and government to increase productivity and develop better spaces. But Derbyshire also highlighted that government has to ensure that its visions on the Industrial Strategy, on housing and on devolution are brought together to maximise the potential of all three. He added that place-making must be at the heart of government plans. Mary Robinson MP also outlined the importance of building high quality, well-designed homes ensure to meet needs of people across the country.
The RIBA, RICS, CIOB and RTPI are continuing to work together to represent the sector on Brexit.
