Markus Campbell-Savours, the Labour MP for Penrith and Solway, has urged the Government to postpone the discontinuation of the UK's analogue telephone service in rural areas.
During parliamentary questions, he shared the critical experience of a constituent whose wife was able to call an ambulance and remain on the line following an aortic aneurysm dissecting, thanks to their landline. Campbell-Savours stressed the importance of ensuring that the digital telephone system is fully robust in rural areas, especially given the frequent power cuts and storms experienced in Cumbria in recent years. He questioned the minister for Science, Innovation and Technology, Sir Chris Bryant, on the measures being taken to support constituents in Penrith and Solway during this transition from the copper network to fibre.
Minister Bryant acknowledged Campbell-Savours' point and extended his best wishes to the affected constituent, indicating an understanding of the concerns raised.
You can watch the full exchange here.