Scottish Labour aims to tackle digital exclusion through plan for technology
4 February 2025, 06:54
Figures released in December showed a near 10% gap in internet access among the most and least well off in Scotland.
Scottish Labour will look to tackle digital exclusion in a technology plan to be unveiled on Tuesday.
Party leader Anas Sarwar has said the plan will aim to “ensure that no-one is left behind” after figures released in December showed the gap in internet access between the richest and poorest in Scotland.
According to the Scottish Household Survey, just 3.7% of those in the most affluent areas of the country had no internet access, compared to 13.4% in the most deprived.
Speaking ahead of the launch of the paper, which will precede a number of roundtables hosted by the party with the tech industry, Mr Sarwar said: “Technology has the power to transform our economy and our public services, but we need to ensure that no-one is left behind.
“The SNP has failed to tackle digital exclusion in Scotland, meaning communities across the country are at risk of missing out on the opportunities technology can provide.
“Whether it’s removing the barriers preventing the most deprived communities from getting online or building infrastructure in rural Scotland, the SNP must ensure that everyone is connected.
“Scottish Labour is determined to put Scotland at the forefront of the digital revolution and ensure that everyone can benefit.”
Business Secretary Richard Lochhead said: “Reliable internet isn’t just a convenience – it increases access to public services and creates opportunities for people and businesses.
“So, while telecommunications legislation is reserved to the UK Government, the Scottish Government has been clear that we want to work with them to ensure that we can drive further progress in Scotland.
“That is why we have stepped in to deliver broadband programmes which have been backed by over £1 billion of publicly driven investment, delivering over one million faster connections in Scotland – and we have helped to bring 4G services to 55 rural communities across Scotland.”
