Broadband commitment will enable rural businesses to compete on world stage
Plaid in government is ensuring that rural communities have the best possible environment to enable their economies to succeed. That was the message in the Senedd chamber this afternoon from Plaid Cymru AM and chair of the Rural Development Sub Committee Rhodri Glyn Thomas. The Plaid AM for Carmarthen East and Dinefwr welcomed plans announced by the Welsh Economy Minister, Ieuan Wyn Jones AM, earlier this week which signalled a step change in the government’s approach to economic development. The Economic Renewal Programme includes greatly increased investment in infrastructure such as broadband and mobile phone coverage allowing businesses in rural communities to compete on the global stage.
Plaid Cymru AM for Carmarthen East and Dinefwr Rhodri Glyn Thomas said:
“Plaid Cymru has long called for an all Wales approach to economic development that enables rural communities to compete on a level playing field with more urban areas. The Economic Renewal Programme that was launched by Ieuan Wyn Jones this week will radically transform the way that Government supports Economic Development. The commitment to invest in infrastructure will be particularly welcome in more rural areas. The programme commits to delivering ‘Next Generation’ broadband for every business in Wales over the next 6 years, enabling them to compete not only within Wales but on the global stage.
“For too long rural Welsh communities have been ignored by successive Tory and Labour governments in London. Previous Labour Assembly governments also failed to deliver economic policy that addressed the needs of our rural communities. Now with Plaid in government we are seeing a radical departure from this tradition. Ieuan Wyn Jones’s economic vision will transform the economy of the whole of Wales enabling all communities to aspire to being amongst the best places in the world to live, work and to thrive.”
Nerys Evans AM added:
“I very much welcome the new economic programme launched by Ieuan Wyn Jones this week which delivers on this long standing Plaid commitment and is a radical departure from Labour and Tory traditions. The Economic Renewal Programme is going to radically transform the way government supports the Welsh economy. This new programme sets out clearly the role a devolved government can play in providing the best conditions and framework to enable the private sector to grow and flourish. The policy has been developed following extensive consultation with business, academia, trades unions and other key organisations and individuals and has been widely welcomed by the business sector and other political parties.
There are many excellent aspects to this programme and as Chair of the Assembly Cross Party Group for broadband in rural Wales I was particularly delighted to see a commitment to delivering ‘Next Generation’ broadband for every business in Wales over the next 6 years.”
