MPs urge government to confirm rural internet funding

Ahead of the 2024 Autumn Budget, more than 50 MPs based in rural areas are appealing to the government to adhere to its plans to fund gigabit-capable internet in remote parts of the UK.

The written request by members of parliament follows reports that funding may be directed away from the nation’s countryside.

The MP’s plea came in the form of a letter penned by former secretary of state for sport, media and culture, Sir John Whittingdale, with backing from the Country Land and Business Association (CLA). So far, the document has earned the support of over 50 MPs in pastoral parts of the UK, with the list including over 20 shadow ministers.

The MP stated:

“Gigabit has played a key role in extending gigabit broadband to many more households and businesses in remote rural areas. However, more needs to be done to close the rural-urban divide and the government needs to confirm that the existing budget will be fully committed to achieving this.”

The recent letter urges Peter Kyle, Minister for Science, Innovation and Technology, to state that the £5 billion previously allocated to rural areas via Project Gigabit remains on track.

The government initiative Project Gigabit has been deploying gigabit capable internet in rural areas, however the funding promised is still needed to close the current divide between rural and urban homes and businesses. Approximately 49 per cent of rural premises have access to gigabit speed broadband in comparison to 85 per cent in urban locations.