February 18th 2026

By Ailsa Colquhoun

Rural connectivity 'not spots' challenged in Parliament

Rural and digitally excluded populations are at risk of isolation, a rural MP has said in Parliament.

In a debate, Liberal Democrat MP Helen Morgan (North Shropshire) stressed that good mobile connectivity must be considered a basic necessity. “It is especially essential for … on-call healthcare,” she said, highlighting lower-than-average health outcomes among farmers.

She added that improving rural phone signal would also help local businesses, grow the economy and the health and social care system.  

Rural mental health professional education is available from Rural Minds, co-produced by DDA Chairman Dr Richard West.