Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:

To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, if he will make an assessment of the potential impact of poor internet access on rural communities.

Poor internet access can have a devastating impact on rural and urban communities alike, which is why the government is determined to improve access and tackle digital exclusion. Digital connectivity is an important driver of economic growth. In 2022, productivity in rural areas was 86% of the average for England, a gap which improved internet access could reduce.

The Government is committed to improving broadband access in rural areas. Government’s £5 billion programme, Project Gigabit, is delivering gigabit capable connectivity for millions of rural homes.