CLYDEBANK’S MSP has called on the UK Government to revise its approach to digital connectivity and invest more money delivering high-speed broadband for residents in Clydebank.

Gil Paterson MSP said the Government in Westminster had been recently criticised for “short-changing” people in Scotland on high-speed broadband by a parliamentary committee.

The Scottish Parliament’s rural economy and connectivity committee last week called on the UK Government to deliver its fair share of UK broadband funding after it was revealed that the Conservatives have contributed just three per cent of the total funding for the “Reaching 100%” project.

Despite connectivity and broadband being a reserved matter, the Scottish Government has invested £600 million in the project to deliver super-fast broadband to every home and business in Scotland.

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Mr Paterson said: “Digital connectivity is an essential part of modern life and an indispensable tool for business, stimulating economic growth.

“Here in West Dunbartonshire we have some of the highest speeds in Scotland but the Tories’ lack of ambition for broadband is extremely disappointing and far behind that of the Scottish Government, despite the fact that connectivity and broadband is wholly under the power of the UK Tory government at Westminster.

“Rural areas have been especially let down by Westminster with a lack of adequate broadband coverage.

“The Scottish Government has committed to extending superfast access to all of Scotland by 2021 – with speeds of at least 30Mbps – and committed £600m to delivering that.

“The UK Government contribution is a paltry £20.99m which is about 3 per cent of the overall budget.

“It’s time for the Tories to step up to the plate and deliver for the people of Clydebank.

“They must commit to joining Scotland in the 21st century.”