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Local MPs meet Secretary of State to discuss ultra-fast broadband for Brighton & Hove

By James Ledward
Jan 26, 2012 - 8:50:04 AM
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Simon Kirby, MP & Mike Weatherley, MP

Both local Conservative MPs, Simon Kirby and Mike Weatherley have met with Jeremy Hunt, the Secretary of State for Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport who has pledged his support for a new campaign for ultra-fast broadband for Brighton & Hove. 

The minister is to visit the city soon to discuss the issue further with local businesses.
 
The meeting was arranged after the MPs contacted the Secretary of State for Culture, Media & Sport following an announcement that was made by George Osborne, Chancellor of the Exchequer, in his Autumn Statement that £100 million would be made available for broadband infrastructure around the country.
 
The current bidding process is for ten cities, along with the four capitals who automatically qualify.

While Brighton & Hove is not eligible to bid for the current funding, Jeremy Hunt has put his support behind Mike and Simon’s plea for ultra-fast broadband to be funded sooner rather than later.

Mike and Simon intend now to write to the Chancellor,  George Osborne to request that Brighton & Hove is considered in a new round of funding.
 
Commenting, Mike said:
“The meeting with Jeremy was a success. Simon and I are really pleased that Brighton & Hove has the support of the Minister, as investment in ultra-fast broadband will have an enormous impact on our local economy. Jeremy will soon be introduced to the media businesses in the city with the greatest stake in getting this off the ground so that we can get things moving as soon as possible.”
 
Simon added:
“Brighton and Hove is a fantastic media hub and would benefit enormously from ultra-fast broadband. I am very confident that the Secretary of State recognises Brighton & Hove's unique status and I will continue to do all I can to press the matter.”


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