Local MP John Lamont has been appointed as the new Co-Chair of an influential Parliamentary group on broadband.
The APPG on Broadband and Digital Communication this week voted in John Lamont MP and Kirstene Hair, the MP for Angus as new Co-Chairs of the group.
The Group’s purpose is to “further the roll out of broadband in rural and urban areas, and to look at digital communication across the UK.”
The previous Chair, Victoria Atkins MP had to stand down following her promotion as a Home Office Minister.
All Party Parliamentary Groups (APPGs) are informal groups made up of representatives from all parties in both the House of Commons and House of Lords. They are run by and for Members of the Commons and Lords, though many choose to involve individuals and organisations from outside Parliament in their administration and activities.
The news comes after John Lamont led a Parliamentary debate on the issue of broadband and welcomed the UK Minister Matt Hancock MP to the Borders to hear for himself the challenges which rural parts of the Borders face in getting decent broadband.
John Lamont said he hopes to use the new role to push for faster progress in connecting rural areas and as a forum to discuss ideas for achieving universal broadband coverage.
John Lamont MP said: “The APPG on broadband has an excellent track record of pushing for greater investment in broadband and coming up with innovative ideas on how to connect homes and businesses.
“Having been a member for the past few months, I was delighted to have the opportunity to co-chair the APPG. I intend to use this role to focus on connecting rural areas, like the Borders and to bring in experts from across the UK to inform MPs.
“Each member of the APPG, from all political parties, is keen to work together to push for better digital communication across the UK and I look forward to working with them on this.
“Broadband is by far the most common cause of complaint that I hear about as MP for the Borders and it’s going to be one of my priorities in Westminster.
“I am determined that we see meaningful progress on connecting rural areas like parts of the Borders. In this day and age, a decent internet connection is not a luxury, it’s a necessity, and a lack of connectivity is holding the Borders back.”