North East Fife MP Sir Menzies Campbell and MSP Iain Smith have welcomed the introduction of a Code of Practice for Internet Service Providers (ISPs) which should bring to an end the misleading claims of broadband speed by some companies in their adverts so customers “get what they see on the tin”.

Following their constituency wide survey last year which concluded that the speed and quality of the broadband in North east Fife was not at the levels advertised by ISPs, Sir Menzies and Mr Smith have been making numerous representations to Ofcom and BT for an end to misleading adverts and investment in the broadband infrastructure in rural areas.

The industry regulator Ofcom has released research which shows the differences between the claims ISPs make for broadband and the speed actually being delivered. According to Ofcom in 2009, when actual speeds for broadband were 4.1Mbps the average for those services were being advertised at was 7.1Mbps. In 2010, when people are generally getting 5.2Mbps, ISPs are claiming they will support speeds of up to 11.5Mbps.

Commenting, Sir Menzies said:

“In my experience broadband customers understand that the speed and quality of their broadband depend upon a number of factors. But that doesn’t mean that internet service providers are excused from advertising their broadband services in a way that can be very misleading.

“The new Code of Practice being introduced should mean that customers get more accurate information about the broadband service available to them when they sign up to a provider. It is good news for consumers that the largest UK ISPs have all signed up to it.”

Iain Smith MSP said:

“Our campaign has highlighted the disparity in service and speed between rural and urban areas. The creation of this Code of Practice will now mean that broadband customers will actually get the kind of service they see on the tin before they buy.

“This is a good first step but there needs to be more investment in the infrastructure and for BT to open up their network for more competition.”

ENDS

Sir Menzies Campbell MP has branded claims by the Labour party that all three Scottish RAF bases could close as a result of the Strategic Defence Review as “naïve and damaging scaremongering”.

The speculative comments from one Scottish Labour MP and two of their MSPs came after reading an article about potential future MOD budget cuts.

Sir Menzies said:

“This type of scaremongering from the Labour party is naïve and damaging.

“All political parties committed themselves to a full scale strategic defence review following the General Election. For Labour now to complain about the nature of the current review is curious to say the least.

“Labour MPs would be better advised to concentrate on why their government failed to provide proper equipment support for our troops in Iraq and Afghanistan and presided over damaging shortages of helicopters in both operations.

“I have consistently supported RAF Leuchars during the 23 years I have been an MP and am a regular visitor to the base.

“Leuchars is a vital component of the air defences of the United Kingdom and provides the 24 hour stand by aircraft known as the Quick Reaction Alert (QRA) which protects Britain’s airspace from intruders. The QRA has been much busier recently in tracking Russian aircraft probing our air defences.

“The case for RAF Leuchars is overwhelming, not least because it is due to take delivery within a few weeks of the first of the Eurofighter aircraft which will make up three squadrons at the base. In addition there are units of the RAF regiment and the Territorial Army deployed at Leuchars.

“Leuchars is central to Britain’s defence.”

Sir Menzies Campbell MP has written to the new Secretary of State for Scotland, Michael Moore MP, to seek his assurance that any debate on ‘Double Summertime’ will take into account the effect of the change on people living in Scotland.

The introduction of Double Summer Time would see the UK one hour ahead of GMT during winter and two hours ahead during the summer. The UK would be in the same time zone as central European countries such as France, Germany and Spain.

Commenting, Sir Menzies said:

“Any measure which might lead to fewer accidents on our roads and lower carbon emissions must obviously be taken very seriously but the debate about Double Summertime should take into account the disadvantages to those living in the East of Scotland.

“Changes to the current position would see winter mornings being darker for longer in Scotland. This would have a significant effect on nearly everyone – people making their daily commute, children walking to school and people such as farmers whose working day starts very early in the morning.”

Menzies Campbell’s election campaign got off to a flying start following its launch by Lord David Steel, former Leader of the Liberal Party and the Scottish Parliament’s first Presiding Officer, in St Andrews.

Lord Steel spoke of the many qualities that has made Sir Menzies the effective and hardworking Member of Parliament for North East Fife for the past 23 years and supported his candidacy for this General Election.

Menzies Campbell said:

“It has been my privilege to have served as the Member of Parliament for North East Fife since 1987 and with your support I hope to continue to fight your corner again after this General Election.

“I am proud to have helped the many thousands of people who have come to me with their problems and concerns over the past 23 years and to have fought side by side with local residents in countless campaigns to protect and improve our services.

“In this election the Liberal Democrats are fighting for a fairer Britain. Only the Liberal Democrats can provide the country with the fresh start it needs. Real change is needed at a national level, not just more of the same from the Tories and Labour.

“Liberal Democrats will fix the economy, cut taxes for the majority of people and give every child equal opportunities at every stage of their education. We will reform parliament and introduce a fair voting system, bringing back trust and giving power to the people.”

North East Fife MP Sir Menzies Campbell and MSP Iain Smith have welcomed the news that the National Trust for Scotland are going to keep the Hill of Tarvit mansion house open to the public, albeit only on selected dates throughout the visitor season.

They said:

“This is a welcome step in the right direction. This decision is recognition of public opinion and the campaign that was fought to keep it open. It paves the way for a more sustainable and more successful operation that will benefit the visiting public, the local community and the National Trust itself.

“It is imperative that the NTS gives adequate publicity to both the hospitality and function opportunities and the public open days to ensure that these are successful.

“We ask the local public to show their support by visiting Hill of Tarvit this summer and encouraging others to do so too.”