Govt launches post-Brexit Digital Strategy

The government has published its plan to keep the UK at the head of the digital sphere after it leaves the EU.

The Digital Strategy includes plans to offer digital skills to millions of people, businesses and charities by 2020 and create five international technology hubs in emerging markets, allowing UK firms to maintain their global reach.

The government said the plans will make the UK the “best place in the world” to start and grow a digital business.

Measures announced include:

Face-to-face digital skills training for 2.5 million individuals, charities and small and medium-sized businesses by 2020.
Basic coding to 45,000 children.
A pledge by Google to boost digital skills in seaside towns.
Five tech hubs to help businesses grow, based on the successful UK-Israel Tech Hub.
The creation of a forum through which government and the tech community can work together.
A Business Connectivity Forum, to be chaired by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport, to bring together business organisations, local authorities and communications providers to help businesses access fast, affordable and reliable broadband.

Karen Bradley, the culture secretary, said: “The UK’s world-leading digital sectors are a major driver of growth and productivity, and we are determined to protect and strengthen them.

“This Digital Strategy sets a path to make Britain the best place to start and grow a digital business, trial a new technology, or undertake advanced research as part of the Government’s plan to build a modern, dynamic and global trading nation.

“To do that, we will work closely with businesses and others to make sure the benefits and opportunities are spread across the country so nobody is left behind.”