Labor MP claims internet connection in Ukraine is better than in London

A Labor MP claimed she had a better internet connection in war-torn Ukraine than in central London.

Cat Eccles told an adjournment debate that Britain was lagging behind its European neighbors when it came to ultra-fast broadband.

Technology Minister Sir Chris Bryant said the Government was aiming for European levels of broadband, adding that some “cowboy” broadband companies should be told they are “drinking in the last chance saloon”.

“And while I appreciate what (Laurence Turner) said, that we currently have high enough speeds, it could be a lot better.

“In fact, when I was in Ukraine recently I experienced far better internet connectivity than in central London and Stourbridge city centre.

“So our European neighbors are enjoying much faster broadband while we are left behind, and Stourbridge residents are at the mercy of these third-party companies.”

Ms Eccles’ comments came during a debate on planning permissions and telegraph poles led by her Labor MP Laurence Turner, who raised concerns about the number and locations of telegraph poles in his constituency of Birmingham Northfield.

He told the House of Commons: “This is not about being against telegraph poles, nor is this about being against the rollout of fast broadband, in fact new infrastructure is vital.”

Mr Turner continued: “As long as the (Code of Practice for Panel and Pole Placement) remains voluntary, it will always be circumvented in some cases.”

Speaking on behalf of the Government, Sir Chris said: “The vast majority of companies operating in this area do so entirely responsibly. “They are doing the nation a huge favor by expanding broadband at the speeds everyone wants.”

“I note the point made by (Mrs Eccles) about other countries in Europe. Of course, we want to strive for the same for everyone across the UK.

“The vast majority of companies do, some behave like cowboys, quite frankly, and I think sometimes as a government and as a parliament we have to tell the cowboys that they are drinking in the last chance saloon.”

He added: “The industry is committed to reviewing this code of conduct. I think it will be much stricter and that guidance should be published in the new year.”

“But I am absolutely clear: if this doesn’t work, if voluntary compliance doesn’t work, we reserve the right to change the law.”