Secretary of State praises CLA on visit to CLA Game Fair

Caroline Spelman, Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, praised the CLA while on a visit to The CLA Game Fair.

The Minister, who has a farming background, commended the organisation for its efforts at lobbying for a better rural economy.

The Conservative MP who represents Meriden, only a 40-minute drive from The CLA Game Fair at Ragley Hall in Warwickshire, spent more than two hours walking around the site, accompanied by CLA President William Worsley.

During her visit, Ms Spelman met Dr Charles Trotman, CLA Head of Rural Business Development, who told her about the CLAs efforts to ensure broadband connectivity is accessible for everyone in the countryside.

One option she learnt about was the CLA Rural Broadband a solution that provides CLA members with broadband via satellite.

Ms Spelman said: The CLA has been very effective at lobbying on behalf of those who live in the countryside. Effective broadband makes setting up a business possible in rural areas. We are digitally disadvantaged if we dont have access to the internet.

She added: “We have made it a priority within Defra, though our resources are limited, to see a roll-out of broadband across rural areas and superfast broadband where we can, too.

CLA President William Worsley said: Ive spoken with Ms Spelman at length and she definitely understands the importance of broadband to rural areas and how businesses in the countryside are left behind without it.

But it is not just about businesses. Its a major hardship from an educational point of view for children because so much homework is now done online.”