NAO report: Rural communities left in the slow lane

Responding to a new National Audit Office report which says it is unclear whether the UK government's programme to expand connectivity in rural areas will be delivered on time, Liberal Democrat Media spokesperson, Jamie Stone MP said:

“This damning reports shows rural communities are being left in the connectivity slow lane.

"A reliable mobile signal is crucial to people's lives and businesses, but it looks like this Conservative government will yet again fail to meet its targets to boost connectivity.

“Rural areas have been consistently neglected and let down by this Conservative Government. If ministers were serious about levelling up they would start by boosting mobile phone connections and banishing signal black spots across the countryside.

"In Scotland, the SNP need to take their share of the blame too. Their broadband voucher scheme has never been good enough to plug gaps and connect those households and businesses left out of the original scheme.

“Everyone should have the digital tools they need to start a business, secure an education or access an online medical appointment no matter where they live."