Once again, yet another report that makes for grim reading if you live in Pembrokeshire, and it again reminds us that Pembrokeshire continues to lag behind other areas. And the seriousness of that digital exclusion cannot be overstated. Sadly, one of the most serious and pressing matters relating to broadband provision in Pembrokeshire is at Ysgol Llanychllwydog in north Pembrokeshire, which continues to hold the title for being the only school in the entire country not to have access to broadband. Earlier this year, the school's headteacher, Mrs Lawrence, said, and I quote:

'It's important to me that a child has the same rights and access to education wherever they are.'

Unquote. And she's absolutely right. Whilst I appreciate that the location of the school provides a particular challenge, surely the fact that this is the only school in Wales without broadband should be a wake-up call. It's simply unacceptable that in 2019 there are learners at a disadvantage simply because the school that they attend does not have an adequate broadband provision. However, I do understand that some progress is currently being discussed, and perhaps, in responding to this afternoon's debate, the Deputy Minister could update the Chamber on what immediate steps the Welsh Government are taking to ensure that the problems at Ysgol Llanychllwydog are now addressed as soon as possible. If urgent action isn't taken to address these problems, then learners living in rural areas like Pembrokeshire will continue to fall behind, and this will affect children's education.

Now, as I said earlier, I accept that the Welsh Government has committed to resolving Wales's digital connectivity problems and that additional money has been allocated to addressing those communities that cannot access superfast broadband. However, it's also important that all communities across Wales feel engaged in the process and that there is a healthier interaction with service providers, and so I hope the Deputy Minister will do all that he can to actually facilitate this.

Now, as the Deputy Minister is aware, I've received concerns from people in Pembrokeshire who genuinely believe that service providers aren't doing enough to help communities access better broadband services, and that is deeply worrying. A constituent recently sent me this message, and I quote: 'We are still all suffering with download speeds around the 1 Mbps to 1.5 Mbps download. Very occasionally it can reach close to 2 Mbps download. We all feel we are totally forgotten. Banks close locally, shops close. Our internet speeds are so low it is sometimes difficult, if not impossible, to use the internet to do online banking. We have to drive further and further to use banks, shops and other services that are available online. We were supposed to have a smart meter fitted, and a technician drove from Llanelli to fit one. There was not sufficient mobile coverage or internet to make this work. Our mobile phones only work here if they are set to "internet Wi-Fi calls".' Unquote. 

I think it's fair to say that better engagement and support for rural communities is now vital in moving Wales forward, and service providers have a role in strengthening their relationships with local communities. Therefore, I extend an invitation to the Deputy Minister to come to Pembrokeshire, to meet with people directly affected by substandard broadband services, so that he can tell them first hand exactly what the Welsh Government will be doing to address their specific concerns.

As I understand it, currently only 375 properties in Pembrokeshire will be taken forward as part of the Superfast 2 project. The disappointing announcement comes against a backdrop of Pembrokeshire being eighteenth out of 22 counties in Wales who have access to superfast broadband. I think it's fair to say that, yet again, Pembrokeshire remains one of the lowest constituency areas for the next roll-out phase, and that begs the question why. Surely it's time for the Welsh Government to redouble its efforts and ensure that those areas that have previously not been served by previous roll-out phases are now actually prioritised. 

For many communities in Pembrokeshire, people are asking to simply be put on a level playing field with other parts of Wales. Until then, Assembly Members like myself and other politicians will continue to receive correspondence telling us that the lack of broadband in their local area has left people isolated and businesses being less commercially competitive. 

Let me also remind the Deputy Minister that areas like Pembrokeshire are also seeing a particularly high number of bank closures. We know that Barclays will close its Milford Haven branch in July, and that follows on from previous bank closures in recent years from NatWest, HSBC and Lloyds. In fact, the town of Fishguard is now a town without a single bank, which, considering the strategic importance of the town to the regional and national economy, is simply staggering. So, without access to a decent broadband service, many people living in these communities feel unable to make the simplest of banking transactions without having to travel further afield. Dirprwy Lywydd, that is simply not how twenty-first century Wales should be.

Therefore, in closing, something urgently needs to take place. I'm sure that we'd all agree that, in modern times, a successful economy is dependent on a fast and efficient broadband service. However, rural areas like Pembrokeshire must not be left behind. Sadly, while some parts of Wales are taking steps in the right direction, limited broadband coverage in my constituency is disadvantaging farmers, businesses and local communities. So, it's essential that no stone is left unturned in ensuring that communities in Pembrokeshire have access to a decent broadband service. Therefore, the Welsh Government must ensure that its digital policies fully take into consideration the needs of communities right across Wales. When substantial amounts of money are being allocated, a detailed strategy must be delivered, delivering much-needed broadband services for those living in rural areas. My message is quite simple here this afternoon, Dirprwy Lywydd: Pembrokeshire must not be left behind. My constituents deserve a broadband service fit for the twenty-first century.