Luke has called on the government to improve access to high-speed, decent, accessible and affordable broadband in Plymouth and the wider south west.

Speaking in Parliament, Luke urged action on three issues:

1. Better internet connectivity for economic growth. For many people, slow internet speeds are a barrier to getting employment and performing well in employment. Poor broadband connection is driving people away from the south west, creating a drain of the talent our economy needs to prosper.

2. Data poverty. It is estimated that 9% of families in the UK do not have access to a laptop, desktop or tablet at home. During the pandemic, too many young people were unable to access Google Classroom online because they did not have a laptop in the family. Plymouth City Council estimated that someone without access to high-speed internet during the pandemic would achieve one grade lower than they otherwise would have.

3. Internet connectivity on our transport network. Luke has been campaigning on a cross-party basis to make Network Rail’s western route 4G and/or 5G capable. The government has to-date not supported the campaign, and Luke used his speech to press them to reconsider.

You can read Luke’s speech in full here: https://tinyurl.com/2p9bwuf4