Julian Smith
Main Page: Julian Smith (Conservative - Skipton and Ripon)(13 years, 1 month ago)
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Julian Smith (Skipton and Ripon) (Con)
I am a little concerned that my hon. Friend is about to finish his speech, because I would like briefly to pay tribute to his leadership on this matter, on which he is the most knowledgeable person in the House. I hope that Cumbria, together with north Yorkshire, will build the arc of superfast broadband across rural northern Britain.
Before he concludes, will my hon. Friend talk a little about the responsibility of communities in dealing with the matter? I am concerned that the debate has gone a little too far towards Government solutions and council solutions. He has played an exceptional role in getting communities motivated. How does he do it?
Rory Stewart
I give way to the hon. Member for Newcastle upon Tyne Central (Chi Onwurah).