Scotland’s rural economy and connectivity cabinet secretary, Fergus Ewing has told a Westminster committee that the UK Government should increase funding to help Scotland reach its R100 broadband target.

Giving evidence to the House of Commons Scottish Affairs Committee as part of its inquiry into digital connectivity in Scotland, Ewing explained that of the £600m the Scottish Government has committed to providing superfast broadband, ie speeds higher than 30Mbps, only £20m has come from the UK Government.

He described the UK Government’s policy of delivering a 10Mpbs universal service as a “great mistake” and said it would be helpful if members of the committee could urge the UK Government to commit more funding to the reserved area of policy.