Caroline has vowed to continue pushing for support for the city's digital sector after calls to 'let Brighton bid' for funding for ultra-fast broadband were turned down.

Culture Secretary Jeremy Hunt has written to the Pavilion MP in response to the popular campaign calling for Brighton and Hove to become a 'super-connected city' under a new Government scheme.

While the bid to be included in the scheme was turned down, Caroline has welcomed the minister's recognition of the importance of Brighton and Hove's digital and creative industries to the local economy.

She is now hoping that Jeremy Hunt will accept her invitation to meet with a local delegation to further explore what support the Government can offer to keep the city competitive.

Caroline said:

"I'm obviously disappointed that the Culture Secretary has decided not to let Brighton and Hove bid for the Government's new broadband scheme, particularly after the huge level of support shown for the Let Brighton Bid campaign by the Argus, business leaders and local  MPs.

"However, I am encouraged by his recognition of the scale and influence of the city's creative, digital and IT sector.

"I particularly welcome his commitment to work with the city to enable us to meet our ambition to be an even more significant technology and culture hub.

"I'm hopeful that he'll accept the invitation, which I've repeated in a letter today, to meet with a cross party delegation to discuss what practical support and action the Government can now offer Brighton and Hove's digital industries."

ENDS