Scottish Labour Launches Technology Consultation to Address Digital Exclusion

Scottish Labour, led by Anas Sarwar, is launching a Technology Consultation aimed at addressing digital exclusion in Scotland, described as a 'scandal' due to significant disparities in internet access between affluent and deprived areas. The party's plan emphasizes the importance of leveraging technology for economic growth and public service reform while ensuring that no one is left behind. Current statistics reveal that individuals in the most deprived areas are almost four times more likely to lack internet access compared to those in the least deprived communities. Scottish Labour is set to engage with tech industry leaders to develop policies that bridge the digital divide and support tech sector growth through skills development and infrastructure investment. The plan will also address barriers to technology adoption by SMEs and promote collaboration between technology firms and educational institutions. Despite improvements in connectivity, challenges remain, with Scotland being among the least connected regions in the UK.