A strategy for getting the ‘last third of unconnected Britons’ online is being devised, stated minister for digital inclusion, Paul Murphy. In his first public speech since his appointment, he revealed it (the strategy) could be in place by the summer. About 17 million citizens in the country did not have any access to a computer, either at work or at home, he pointed out. The minister did not set an exact timescale, but added it would be in line with EU plans. The new cabinet committee set up by him met for the first time last week.

“Chances are these (unconnected) individuals come from a socially, economically or geographically disadvantaged group,” he mentioned. Admitting that he was ‘not really a technical person’, Mr Murphy stated he had been studying what was involved and needed in the role since Prime Minister Gordon Brown appointed him three months ago. “The more I thought about it, the more I realised that I did not need to be technical at all. It also became obvious the enormity of the work,” he told the National Digital Inclusion Conference delegates in London.