The Conservative Technology Forum (CTF) has launched an
action plan to lift the UK "significantly upwards from its middle
ranking position among developed countries in exploiting digital
technology" should the party win this year’s expected general
election.
The World Economic Forum currently ranks the UK number 12 in the
world when it comes to citizens, companies and government making
effective use of ICT - last year the UK was number 15. According to
analyst Ovum, the UK has the most widespread availability of
broadband of all the G7 nations.
Launched by shadow IT Minister Michael Fabricant and European
technology spokesman Malcolm Harbour MEP, the CTF wants to step up
broadband connectivity with a network capable of delivering
"interactive video for all" by 2020.
The CTF supports "light touch" regulation that will encourage
investment in next generation networks. And it expects wireless
networks will play an increasing role in reaching remote
communities.
The action plan also calls for improved management of government
ICT programmes, the further development of e-government and the
rationalisation of private citizen databases.
In addition, the CTF has called for more specialist resources
for local police forces to deal with computer crime, and a central
unit for dealing with paedophile investigations is also
recommended.
On health, the CTF is sceptical about Labour’s centralised
approach to patients' records currently being adopted, and proposes
a re-appraisal of a more de-centralised approach.
"This action plan offers practical policies which an incoming
Conservative administration must seriously consider. The plan shows
our joined up approach to policy making and our determination to
move the UK to the front rank of digital economies," said
Fabricant.