Oral Answers to Questions

Wendy Morton Excerpts

Thursday 12th November 2026 Commons Chamber

[The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (Stephanie Peacock)]

I was pleased to visit my hon. Friend’s constituency earlier this year. The best way to protect our heritage is to use it and I thank him for his work to secure a future for the General Wolfe building. I encourage developers and historic building owners to engage early with our arm’s length body Historic England, and I am sure that the Heritage Minister will be happy to meet him to discuss it further.

[Wendy Morton (Aldridge-Brownhills) (Con)]

T6. There are currently 1.2 million flats in multi-dwelling units across the UK that are at risk of missing out on full fibre upgrades, including 3,528 in my constituency. This leaves a real danger that a digital divide becomes a reality, and vulnerable people will miss out on the benefits of faster and more reliable broadband. Will the Minister consider granting automatic upgrade rights for network builders as a cost-neutral solution that will ensure everybody has access?

[Ian Murray]

That is an issue for the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, and we have been working closely with that Department about its planning proposals. I am sure that the right hon. Lady will be not be disappointed when they come forward.