More than 50 rural MPs are urging the government to confirm the funding for gigabit broadband amid concerns that financial resources are being redirected away from rural areas.

In a letter addressed to Peter Kyle, the secretary of state for science and technology, the MPs are requesting assurance that £5b is still earmarked for Project Gigabit.

This initiative aims to provide gigabit-speed internet to rural locations, but additional funding is needed to bridge the rural-urban divide.

Statistics reveal that nearly half of rural homes and businesses have access to gigabit broadband, compared to 85% in urban regions.

Moreover, fewer than half of farmers reported that their broadband speeds were sufficient for their business needs.

The lack of connectivity in rural areas has been identified as a major obstacle to productivity, with the rural economy being 14% less productive than the national average in England.

This gap is estimated to cost England around £40b in gross value added, according to the Country Land and Business Association (CLA).

The letter, authored by former secretary of state for culture, media and sport Sir John Whittingdale and supported by the CLA, has gathered the support of over 50 rural MPs.

Sir John remarked: “Project Gigabit has played a key role in extending gigabit broadband to many more households and businesses in more remote rural areas.

"However, more still needs to be done to close the rural-urban divide and the government needs to confirm that the existing budget will be fully committed to achieving this.

As the autumn budget approaches, the letter calls on the government to clarify that the entire £5b allocation for Project Gigabit will be preserved and to provide details on how much of this funding has been assigned.

It also inquires about the amount allocated to rural areas and whether the fund prioritises regions where commercial investment is not viable.

Victoria Vyvyan, president of the CLA, stated that uncertainty regarding gigabit internet funding 'is the last thing' that rural communities need.

"We still have connectivity issues preventing businesses and homes from even operating in the 21st century." she added.

“We need to unlock the potential of rural communities, for the good of our countryside, and our country as a whole.

"We have to support the growth of dynamic businesses, generating wealth and attracting the best talent."