THE Lower Thames Crossing (LTC) has been spared from a fresh round of Government spending cuts after ministers confirmed the controversial and much-delayed £11 billion road scheme remains on track - even the source of an £8 billion cost shortfall remains unknown.

Earlier this week Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer announced that some road and energy schemes would be scaled back or scrapped across the UK to help fund a £15billion boost in defence spending.

The funding package is aimed at strengthening the UK's military capabilities and moving the country towards greater warfighting readiness.

Now, the Department for Transport (DfT) has confirmed the Essex-Kent crossing is not among the projects facing the axe.

A DfT spokesperson said: "I can confirm the LTC is not affected. We are continuing to deliver the strategically and nationally important A66 Northern Trans-Pennine and Lower Thames Crossing schemes, and other schemes nearing construction or under construction."

The Lower Thames Crossing, which is designed to ease congestion at the Dartford Crossing and improve links between Essex and Kent, has faced repeated delays over the years but moved a step closer to becoming reality earlier this year when preparatory works began on the back of the latest injection of government funds.

National Highways is currently carrying out work to protect utilities, wildlife habitats and heritage assets ahead of the main construction phase, which is expected to begin in 2028.

The project includes a new road crossing beneath the River Thames and is intended to provide an alternative route to the heavily-used Dartford tunnels and QEII bridge.

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The LTC is expected to be funded largely through private investment rather than direct Government spending, which has helped shield it from the latest spending cuts.

The defence package the Government is seeking to fund includes around £5billion for drones and autonomous systems, including surveillance and strike drones, uncrewed land vehicles and a new hybrid naval capability.