Rural Communities

Debate between Angela Eagle and Stuart Anderson

Wednesday 7th January 2026 Commons Chamber

[Dame Angela Eagle]

I am happy to pass on the hon. Lady’s comments to the appropriate Ministers.

Access to digital services is crucial for rural areas. We are delivering high speed-capable broadband to UK premises that are not included in suppliers’ commercial plans. Our aim is to achieve 99% coverage of a reliable, superfast, high-speed broadband by 2032. Over 1 million further premises have been—

[Stuart Anderson (South Shropshire) (Con)]

Will the Minister give way?

[Dame Angela Eagle]

Will the hon. Gentleman please let me develop my point? Over 1 million further premises have been included within contracts to provide access to superfast broadband, with funding of over £1.8 billion allocated in the latest spending review to support the project. That helps end social isolation, provides access to healthcare and turbocharges rural businesses. Our focus on rural hard-to-reach areas ensures that the benefits of superfast broadband reach every corner of the UK, breaking down barriers that the Conservative Government failed to address. I must say—

[Stuart Anderson]

On that point, will the Minister give way?

[Dame Angela Eagle]

Go on, then.

[Stuart Anderson]

I thank the Minister for giving way. Only 40% of my constituency has gigabit broadband and that has a major impact. Does the Minister understand how detrimental it is to move the 2030 target to 2032? I will have many constituents who will still not be able to connect to the internet.

[Dame Angela Eagle]

The problem is that we inherited a system in which all the hardest-to-reach bits had been left till last. We are trying now, by investing £1.8 billion, to get that sorted, but I understand the hon. Gentleman’s frustration.