Contributions
1,036 recent contributions in Hansard
HANSARDAccess to Broadband ServicesI will come on to say a word about the gigabit broadband voucher scheme. To some extent, the Project Gigabit procurements have taken over from it, but if the right hon. Lady has a…06 Sept 2023HANSARDArts and Culture: BrexitThe UK arts and culture sector has many strong existing positive relationships in Europe, and we are taking a number of steps to deepen ties. The Government have developed…20 Jul 2023HANSARDBBC Local Radio ServicesWe recognise the strength of feeling about the importance of BBC local services and we remain disappointed that the BBC is planning to reduce parts of its local radio output. This…20 Jul 2023HANSARDArts and Culture: BrexitWhile the UK decided not to participate in Creative Europe, nevertheless the UK shared prosperity fund, which is a UK-wide funding initiative, has match funded what was originally…20 Jul 2023HANSARDBBC Board: Complaints ProcedureThe Secretary of State and I meet with the BBC’s leadership regularly to discuss a range of issues. The BBC’s processes for handling audience complaints about its editorial…20 Jul 2023HANSARDBBC Board: Complaints ProcedureWe are aware that research from Ofcom bears out what the hon. Gentleman has said, in that there is considerable dissatisfaction with the existing complaints procedure. That is…20 Jul 2023HANSARDBBC Board: Complaints ProcedureI say to the hon. Gentleman that, first, this was a matter for the BBC. Although the Secretary of State and I did ask to be kept informed by the BBC, it was a matter for the…20 Jul 2023HANSARDBBC Local Radio ServicesThe BBC obviously needs to take account of the fact that more and more people are accessing content online and digitally, and therefore it has decided to invest more in that area.…20 Jul 2023HANSARDBBC Local Radio ServicesAs I said earlier, many people still value local radio and will regret and, indeed, be very concerned about the reduction in local radio output that the BBC has proposed,…20 Jul 2023HANSARDTopical QuestionsThe Government have made it clear that the licence fee will remain in place for the remainder of this charter period, but my hon. Friend is right that there are challenges going…20 Jul 2023HANSARDBroadband: Rural WalesUnder Project Gigabit, we are launching procurements across Wales and the rest of the UK to deliver gigabit-capable broadband to rural and remote premises not included in…19 Jul 2023HANSARDBroadband: Rural WalesMy hon. Friend is right to stress the importance of digital connectivity to rural communities and businesses. We are pressing ahead apace with Project gigabit, and have appointed…19 Jul 2023HANSARDTopical QuestionsWe recognise that households are having a very difficult time due to the cost of living, which is why my right hon. Friend the Chancellor has met the regulators to press them to…19 Jul 2023HANSARDTopical QuestionsCurrently, more than 76% of premises have access to gigabit-capable broadband and we are on track to meet our target of 85% coverage by 2025. However, the hon. Lady raises a good…19 Jul 2023HANSARDProject Gigabit Progress Update: June 2023On 30 June 2023 we published, at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/project-gigabit-progress-update-june-2023 Building Digital UK’s (BDUK) latest progress update on…03 Jul 2023HANSARDMusicians Touring in EuropeWe have reached a position where nearly all member states—24 out of 27—offer visa and work permit-free routes for musicians and creative performers, and we will continue to engage…15 Jun 2023HANSARDMusicians Touring in EuropeWe are fortunate in this country to have some of the finest performers in the world, and I am keen to ensure that as many people across the world are able to enjoy their…15 Jun 2023HANSARDTopical QuestionsThe Government remain committed to press freedom, which is a cornerstone of our democracy. For the Government to intervene in the regulation of the press would run counter to…15 Jun 2023HANSARDTopical QuestionsThe hon. Gentleman will be aware that we have had several studies on decriminalisation, and those looked specifically at the reasons why more women are prosecuted. There are a…15 Jun 2023HANSARDTopical QuestionsI congratulate my hon. Friend on his advocacy for his constituency. I am only sorry that I shall miss the Wallington music festival this weekend; I am sure that it will be a…15 Jun 2023