Cumbrian MPs have urged Chancellor Philip Hammond to invest in superfast broadband to boost the county's digital economy.

Improving internet communications to support economic growth was a common theme as politicians set out their hopes for today's Chancellor's Autumn Statement.

Mr Hammond has already vowed to use today's “mini budget” to help hard working people share the nation's prosperity.

“But the Chancellor doesn't have a huge amount of room to manoeuvre,” cautioned Carlisle MP John Stevenson.

“He has to be very careful with the nation's finances, so I don't anticipate much radical change. But I'd encourage him to do some additional spending on infrastructure.

"He could look at spending on road, rail, and broadband.”

Mr Stevenson said he wants infrastructure investment to redress the economic imbalance between the north and south. He cited ongoing discussions about upgrading the A69 and other key routes.

But he particularly hopes for good news on superfast broadband for Cumbria. “I believe they're looking for areas to host pilots for 5G and it would be sensible if Carlisle could put itself forward,” he said.

South Lakes MP Tim Farron, who is also leader of the Liberal Democrats, called for investment in the NHS, schools, flood defences and broadband.

"Local residents will be desperately hoping for a change of direction," he said. For too long, the government has pursued an ideological agenda of cuts to public spending, and it is our public services and our infrastructure that are paying the price.

“In particular, I am calling on the government to invest an additional £1 billion in rural broadband. The government must connect the most rural and sparsely populated communities first, rather than at the end of the queue.”
Copeland MP Jamie Reed wants investment in the NHS, local schools, flood prevention, and infrastructure.

He said: “The Chancellor’s first Autumn Statement will be an excellent opportunity for Government to listen to my calls and those of the communities that I represent, to invest in our health services, in our infrastructure, in our education and in our industries."

Mr Reed said west Cumbria has been left out and let down by successive Budget Statements. "We’re attempting to build a 21st century economy on 20th century infrastructure," he said.

On infrastructure, Mr Reed called for an immediate upgrade of the A595, investment in the Cumbrian coastal railway to increase capacity, better flood defences, and the creation of a Cumbria Infrastructure and Resilience Commission; recovery funding, such as that through the Bellwin Scheme, that reaches communities like Keswick, affected by flooding; and commitment that any EU solidarity funding awarded goes straight to those communities affected last winter