WALES winning in the digital revolution will be a top priority for the Welsh Liberal Democrats, Kirsty Williams AM claimed this week.
In a wide-ranging speech hosted by the think-tank Gorwel on Monday (Jan 25), the leader of the Welsh Liberal Democrats, argued that the lack of connectivity is one of the biggest barriers facing Welsh businesses and “threw down the gauntlet to those only obsessed with Tech City in London”.
Ms Williams said: “There is a basic hurdle Britain needs to get over. That is ‘connectivity’. Bridging this digital divide will be a top priority for the Welsh Liberal Democrats.
“Even in London, businesses complain of the lack of fast broadband connectivity at an affordable level. If things aren’t right for the Tories’ mates in the City of London then you have to ask, how ready is Wales for the economy and jobs of the near future?
“The lack of digital infrastructure is a particular barrier to Welsh businesses.
“Yet we in Wales have so much to offer. Why does everything to do with the digital revolution seem to focus on London? Innovation hubs are everywhere.
“In Cardiff, Wales has a world class Life Sciences Hub that aims to increase the sector’s contribution to the Welsh economy by more than £1 billion by 2022. It’s time others woke up to the fact that there is life outside London.
“Make no mistake, this evening I’m throwing down the gauntlet to those obsessed with Tech City in London.
“I get it that Hoxton is cool. That it is a short taxi or tube ride away from the boys in Mayfair who run large funds, are hotshots in private equity and do lunch at the Ivy.
“I get that. But get this…. The world has changed. And changed dramatically.
“Under the Welsh Liberal Democrats, Wales will win in the digital revolution.”
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