A Conservative MEP who represents a rural area of Buckinghamshire has claimed that slow broadband speeds in the region are causing entrepreneurs to look elsewhere when setting up new businesses.

James Elles was speaking following a European Union meeting in Brussels, which discussed the progress fibre optic broadband rollouts are making all over the continent.

The union has set targets that aim to improve coverage throughout Europe, although the implementation of fibre optic projects is being carried out on a more local level.

Mr Elles said: "The UK's strategy has left some areas of Britain in the dark and feeling that very little transparency has existed at local authority level."

He went on to say that improving fibre broadband coverage should be more of a priority for local councils. He urged leaders to consider the positive knock-on effects that could come as a result of superfast connections. 

These could include reducing youth unemployment and facilitating economic growth through the creation of businesses. Buckinghamshire is home to more new business start-ups than any other county in England.

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