Bath ranks as one of the worst constituencies for gigabit and 5G connectivity. This is largely because of decisions made by the Liberal Democrat-controlled Bath and North East Somerset Council to stop the roll-out of 5G. In 2020 as mobile operators stepped up efforts to roll out 5G networks, they faced resistance in Bath with backing from the Liberal Democrat MP Wera Hobhouse. In a submission to the council about the planned mast, she said she was concerned about "the threat to human health, to tree health and to wildlife and biodiversity" - the mast was eventually refused, stalling the rollout of 5G across the city.
After campaigners like Parliamentary Candidate for the Conservative party in Bath, James Wright highlighted that the Liberal Democrats had fallen for conspiracy theories, the council announced that it is allowing 16 5G masts as part of an 18-month-long trial. The pilot in the city centre, called “One Word”, is being funded by a £773,132 government grant and will ensure that residents, visitors and businesses will have the connectivity they need to access the internet on the go across the city centre.
James Wright says "The businesses and residents I meet are fed up with the Liberal Democrats vanity projects and conspiracy theories. They want sensible solutions to the problems we face in Bath, not more ideology and dogma. It is right that with the support of the Conservative Government Bath will now get 5G.
I hope that the council further embraces investment in connectivity by allowing private funding from mobile phone companies. If elected as your MP on the 4th of July, I will hold the Liberal Democrat council to account and ensure that residents and businesses across the city get the support they need from their council.'
