Carmichael calls for equal investment across rural digital infrastructure

June 29, 2017 at 5:04 pm

Northern Isles MP Alistair Carmichael.

MP for the Northern Isles, Alistair Carmichael, has called on the UK Government to match the additional support it is giving to Northern Ireland, in other rural areas.

Speaking in the House of Commons yesterday, Mr. Carmichael said he had been glad to hear that the people of Northern Ireland are to benefit from another £150 million worth of investment in digital infrastructure.

However, he asked when Orkney and Shetland would see equivalent spending.

Mr Carmichael’s statements come following the publication of a report by the consumer’s association Which?, on Tuesday, which showed poorest average connectivity speeds in the UK country are in Orkney and Shetland.

Responding to Mr Carmichael on behalf of the Government, the Rt. Hon. Matthew Hancock, Minister of State for Digital, said: “Of course we put enormous investment into the North of Scotland and the islands in order to expand both fixed broadband and mobile phone connectivity, and he knows that.

“It is a great pity that the contract signed to get broadband to Scotland was signed more slowly than with England or with Wales, and that is because I am afraid we devolved the responsibility for that to the Scottish Government.”

Speaking after the exchange, Mr. Carmichael said he is pleased that the Government view rolling out superfast broadband as such a priority that they are willing to put more money into it, but he is disappointing that this money is only going to Northern Ireland.

Mr Carmichael said: “The money which was originally given to Broadband Delivery UK has been stretched as far as it can go, used in the Highlands and Islands, and in Northern Ireland. Undoubtedly, some of that money could have been better spent, but this huge investment in Northern Ireland clearly shows that more money is needed to finish the job.

“The UK and SNP government ought to stop squabbling about who is responsible for broadband roll-out, and start working together to ensure that the Northern Isles gets the level of investment which it needs to deliver reliable broadband.”