North Shropshire by-election: Conservative candidate pledges to bring faster broadband to area
The Conservative candidate in the North Shropshire by-election has pledged to ensure the Government rolls out more fast broadband connections to rural communities in North Shropshire.
Dr Neil Shastri-Hurst says that as a Conservative MP he’ll be able to work effectively with the Government to secure more investment and make sure every resident has access to better broadband speeds.
Dr Shastri-Hurst is standing to replace fellow Conservative Owen Paterson, who quit his role as an MP after being found to have broken paid lobbying rules.
Fourteen candidates are standing in next week's by-election, which bookies have as neck-and-neck between the Tories and Lib Dems despite the Conservatives winning a 23,000 majority at the last election.
Former digital secretary Oliver Dowden, now chairman of the Conservative Party, announced that almost 70,000 homes and businesses will get high-speed broadband upgrades across Shropshire.
He has stressed how important broadband is to the government’s plans — and how North Shropshire needs a ‘champion’ like Dr Neil to get the job done.
Mr Dowden said: "Rolling out broadband is central to this government’s plans – and I know that all too well from my time as Digital Secretary. But getting it done is a team effort, and that means we need champions like Dr Neil Shastri-Hurst on the case. I’m pleased that he has made this a key priority in his long-term plan.
"I was proud to announce in my former role that we are rolling out gigabit capable broadband to almost 70,000 homes and businesses across Shropshire, and I know the Digital Secretary Nadine Dorries is ready to work with Neil if he’s elected to roll out more lightning-fast broadband to the communities who need it most.’
Dr Shastri-Hurst said: "Lightning-fast internet is key to attracting new businesses and improving the quality of life for residents. That’s why it’s one of my top priorities for North Shropshire.
"The Government is already connecting almost 70,000 homes and businesses across Shropshire to lightning-fast broadband. So they’re clearly committed to investing here. That’s why we need an MP who puts North Shropshire first and bangs the drum for more investment."
