Businesses and local people deserve modern super-fast broadband and decent mobile signals. Braintree's potential will only be unlocked once these essential modern services are rolled out across the district.

I've spoken with the leader of Essex County Council about SuperfastEssex and I'm happy to support the work of the partnership but I want to see the deadline for coverage in the constituency brought forward from the currently planned 2017. The government needs to keep the funding for rural broadband flowing and I'll keep fighting for this to happen.

As our economy grows and local businesses think about their plans for the future, I want to make sure they are able to take full advantage of the business opportunities that digital connectivity brings without having to relocate away from the local area.