MPs slam Blair's eGovt plans

Can't be done, they say

By Tim Richardson, 21st September 2000

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Politician's are losing confidence in the British Government's e-credentials and its promise to get all services online by 2005.

A survey carried out by MORI on behalf of the World Internet Forum (WIF) - which is holding an international summit in London in November - claims that only 61 per cent of the 101 MPs questioned agreed that the British Government's goal of getting all it services available online by 2005 was achievable.

This represents a drop of 13 percentage points since MPs were asked the same question in January 2000.

Furthermore, the Government's claim that Britain is a leader in the wired world is also beginning to lose its sparkle. Asked their opinion on whether Britain is leading the world in new technology and its adoption of e-commerce, only 41 per cent of Conservative MPs and 60 per cent of Labour MPs felt that that Britain was up to scratch.

The survey also found that 89 per cent of Labour MPs and 72 per cent of Conservative MPs are concerned that citizens who do not have access to the Internet will be at a disadvantage in the wake of the Government's e-plans.

Earlier this month Prime Minister, Tony Blair, promised to invest £1 billion in e-services as part of UK Online, the Government's bid to get its departments and services online. ®