As the MP for not only the largest English constituency, but also one of the most rural constituencies in the UK, Dr Neil Hudson MP for Penrith and The Border spoke about the importance of improving digital and physical connectivity in isolated communities.
Dr Neil Hudson has campaigned for better connectivity since his election in 2019. Since then, he has been able to see through major projects such as the post-16 transport funding through Westmorland and Furness Council which has helped young people from Alston Moor access higher education in Durham, the rollout of the Government’s Project Gigabit which is investing more than £100 million to roll out fast broadband across Cumbria, and the recent volunteer bus scheme, the Border Rambler, be awarded the Best Regional Rural Bus Service 2023 North West prize at the 5th annual Northern Enterprise Awards which is a service he has long championed and supported.
Dr Hudson took the opportunity to raise the issues his constituents face due to rural isolation in the Westminster Hall debate on Loneliness and isolation in elderly and vulnerable people and to praise the work of volunteer run bus services, the Border Rambler and the Fellrunner.
Dr Neil Hudson MP said:
“As he will know as a fellow member of the EFRA select committee, we published our report this year on rural mental health and rural isolation is one of the real risk factors in terms of pressures on people's mental health. We really stressed the importance of connectivity whether that's physical in terms of transport, but also virtual in terms of broadband, mobile phone signal. I've been privileged to welcome new bus vehicles to my constituency, the Border Rambler and the Fellrunner, provided by volunteer networks, providing a lifeline. Does my Hon Friend agree with me that these rural bus networks are so important for us to support at central and local government and volunteer level. These are a lifeline for people and we should strongly support them.”
Derek Thomas MP for St Ives who initiated the debate said:
“I do support that and the member is right to refer to our report from the EFRA select committee. In my constituency we have a number of community led bus schemes...that allow people to get to appointments and other things they need to do in order to lead normal lives and fulfil normal functions.”
Following the debate, Dr Hudson said:
“Rural isolation is a huge concern to me and so many of my constituents, particularly at this time of year when the weather is more extreme and it can have real impact on mental wellbeing. Folk can be blocked off from the local communities and it is so important that the infrastructure is there. I was pleased to speak in this very important debate and I am grateful to have the opportunity to raise the concerns of my constituents, particularly those who are more vulnerable, who suffer from the effects of living in a rurally isolated area. It was also a great opportunity to once again praise the fantastic work of our volunteer-run bus services, particularly the Border Rambler and the Fellrunner which I have worked very closely with.”
