Lord Carter To Quit Government After Digital Britain

Lord Carter, the Communications Minister, is reportedly set to quit the Government after the Digital Britain report is published on the 16th June.

It is no secret that the compilation of the Digital Britain report, designed to help shape the UK’s Internet and Media regulation, has caused a lot of debate and criticism since its inception.

Despite this, the reasons behind Lord Carter’s intending departure are not clear, with the Times indicating that he has a desire to return to the private sector.

There has been reports of strong disagreements between ministers over whether government funding should be used to help the broadband sector, and in particular Lord Carter’s goal of achieving 2Mb broadband access for all by 2012.

In recent weeks Gordon Brown has enlisted the help of two top tech industry figures, Sir Alan Sugar and Sir Tim-Berners Lee to boost credentials and help to enhance the internet sector – so news of Lord Carter’s departure will come as a blow.

There is also talk that the co-founder of Lastminute.com, Martha Lane Fox, is also joining the ranks as a digital champion.