Thursday 25 October 2012

Stephen Metcalfe MP stands up for broadband in Thurrock

Stephen Metcalfe, local MP for South Basildon and East Thurrock, rose on the floor of the House of Commons to question the Minister about Broadband provision in Thurrock.

Mr Metcalfe asked the Minister from the Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs: “Although Thurrock is an urban constituency on the edge of London, a large proportion of it is rural and lacks decent broadband provision...can the Minister confirm that villages such as Bulphan, Orsett and Horndon-on-the-Hill will be in line for improved broadband provision?”

The Minister from the Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs responded, saying: “ He makes a good point: instead of talking only about the most remote communities, we must remember that there are rural communities close to urban areas that have appalling broadband, too.”

Stephen Metcalfe commented: “It is vital that semi-rural areas are not ignored in the roll out of super-fast broadband. I will continue to champion this message and, whilst there are no certainties, I will do everything I can to ensure that Bulphan, Orsett and Horndon-on-the-Hill are included in any broadband plans.”