Jamie Stone MP takes on Digital Culture Media and Sport spokesman role
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Jamie Stone, Liberal Democrat MP for Caithness, Sutherland and Easter Ross, has been promoted to Digital Culture Media and Sport (DMCS) spokesperson for the Liberal Democrats in the House of Commons.
Mr Stone has retained his defence brief, which has used to promote mental health provision for veterans, recruitment, and the campaign for Afghan translators to be given sanctuary.
In his DCMS brief, Mr Stone will be looking to focus on:
Broadband rollout in rural areas.
Regulating social media companies to ensure they take action against online harms.
Fighting for those in the creative industries who have been excluded from Government financial support during the pandemic.
Announcing the news, Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey said: "The inimitable 'Jamie North' will keep the Government honest when it comes to looking after our troops and shine a light on the mental health of veterans as our defence spokesperson. He will also look after the Digital, Culture, Media and Sport brief."
Mr Stone said: "I am delighted to know I can continue fighting for veterans and the need for radical improvements to how they can access mental health services. In the months ahead, I want to focus on how we can make the armed forces a more attractive career path that truly rewards the efforts of those in service, and the sacrifices their families have to make.
"In my role as DCMS spokesperson, I will be holding the Government to account on their duty to roll-out broadband across the UK and to pressure the Scottish Government into delivering the R100, which they have so far failed to do. People should not be penalised for their postcode – the Highlands especially is in dire need of improved broadband infrastructure. Our economy and our future depend on it.
"I also want to see how we can make social media a better place. Social media companies have a duty of care to their users but they are failing to keep people safe, tackle fake news, and promote freedom of speech.
"There is much work to do, but in the wake of Covid I will use my position as DCMS spokesperson to continue speaking up for those excluded from Government support during the pandemic, many of whom are in the creative industries."
