Labour Treasury Minister Struggles with Location, Cost of £10bn Thames Tunnel

Treasury minister Emma Reynolds faced significant criticism during a live LBC interview when she was unable to accurately answer key questions about the government-backed £10 billion Lower Thames Crossing project. Reynolds mistakenly confused the Dartford Tunnel in Kent with Dartmouth in Devon and could not recall the exact start and end points of the new crossing, which will link Essex and Kent. When questioned on the project's cost, she vaguely estimated it at 'several billion pounds,' whereas the actual cost is approximately £9.2 billion. Interviewer Nick Ferrari repeatedly challenged Reynolds on her lack of specific knowledge, questioning the economic stewardship implied by a minister not knowing such fundamental details. Despite the minister's struggles, supporters like Rachel Reeves and Heidi Alexander highlighted the crossing as a crucial infrastructure development that has been delayed in planning for years. Construction of the 14-mile road project, which includes two tunnels under the Thames, is expected to begin as early as next year, with National Highways overseeing the build.