Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Closing the Digital Divide

Monday 21 June 2021 · 2 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 0 Partly answered 2 Not answered 0

Key points

  • The Government has distributed over 1.3 million laptops and tablets to schools and local authorities.
  • The Minister agrees with the importance of closing the digital divide as highlighted by the UNICEF report.
  • The Minister did not provide a direct commitment to supporting free internet access and adequate devices for children entitled to free school meals at home.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Siobhain McDonagh Lab Mitcham and Morden
Education Science & Technology
Context

The report 'Closing the Digital Divide for Good' provides recommendations on digital technology in education.

Question

What plans does he have to implement the recommendations of the UK Committee for UNICEF and the Carnegie UK Trust's report entitled “Closing the Digital Divide for Good”?

Answer from Nick Gibb

Over 1.3 million laptops and tablets and 75,000 4G wireless routers have been distributed to schools and local authorities. We are building on the Department's significant investment in devices, platforms, training and digital services to develop an evidence-based strategy for the most effective long-term approach to digital technology in education.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific plans or commitments to implement recommendations from the report were not detailed

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Q2 Siobhain McDonagh Lab Mitcham and Morden
Education Economy
Context

Before the lockdown, disadvantaged children were struggling academically due to a digital divide. Despite efforts during lockdown, 25% of children on free school meals did less than one hour's work per week.

Question

Will the Government support my campaign calling for every child entitled to a free school meal to have internet access and an adequate device at home?

Answer from Nick Gibb

I read the joint article in The Times this morning by the hon. Member and my right hon. Friend the Member for Harlow (Robert Halfon) about the UNICEF report and her objectives, and I agree with much of what they have both written, particularly about the importance of closing the digital divide. I am grateful for the acknowledgement in that article of the much needed support to disadvantaged children that the provision by this Government of 1.3 million laptops and tablets gave.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific support for her campaign was not addressed

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)