Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills, what the Government's policy is on the digital single economy in the EU; and what further progress has been made on setting out the UK's position to the European Commission.

The UK Government set out its policy in a paper published in January and is available at http://engage.number10.gov.uk/digital-single-market/. We want the EU to create an open, flexible digital single market with a regulatory framework that reflects the dynamic nature of the digital economy. Through the internet, consumers should be able to enjoy greater choice, lower prices, more mobility and better public services. We should also make it easier for businesses to operate online so that they can innovate, drive growth and create jobs. The Government has had several discussions with the European Commission on this point, including with Vice President Ansip and Commissioners Oettinger and Jourova.