PM Faces Cable's Criticism

After the Lib Dem Business Secretary's accusations of “inflaming extremism”, the Prime Minister has denied a Coalition split over immigration. In a speech claiming that mass immigration has led to "discomfort and disjointedness" in neighbourhoods, David Cameron said that "for too long, immigration has been too high". He pledged to cut those entering Britain by tens of thousands, rather than hundreds of thousands. However Mr Cable described his words as “very unwise” and suggested they could fuel extremism. Ahead of Mr Cameron’s speech, he told the BBC: “The reference to the tens of thousands of immigrants rather than hundreds of thousands is not part of the coalition agreement, it is Tory party policy only. I do understand there is an election coming but talk of mass immigration risks inflaming the extremism to which he and I are both strongly opposed.” The Prime Minister later rejected Mr Cable’s criticism, insisting he was dealing with an issue of high public importance in a "sensible, measured, serious tone".

5m Rural Homes To Get Superfast Broadband

Creative Industries Minister Ed Vaizey has welcomed a Fujitsu project to improve internet access in remote areas of the UK. Four of the country’s biggest communications companies have announced plans to work together to bring next generation internet services to homes in rural Britain. Fujitsu plans to build the new superfast, fibre optic broadband network, which will be underpinned by Cisco technology. Virgin Media and TalkTalk are set to provide internet packages through the network to customers in remote parts of the UK. Other broadband providers will also be given the opportunity for wholesale purchase to enable them to offer services on the network. Mr Vaizey said the move would help to improve the economic and social prospects of homes and businesses in the affected areas. Under the proposals, Fujitsu will run fibre optic cabling directly to the home rather than to the local street cabinet in the vast majority of areas, allowing speeds of one gigabit (1 Gbps) and the potential to increase to speeds of 10 Gbps and beyond.

IPO Inspires Cracking Ideas At Innovation Exhibition

Baroness Wilcox, Minister for Intellectual Property will this week launch an event to inspire innovation and educate young people about the role inventive ideas can play in every day life. “Wallace and Gromit Presents… a World of Cracking Ideas” is an exhibition in which the famous characters will guide students through the world of innovation to discover how simple ideas can transform into life changing products. This year the exhibition comes to the Newcastle Life Science Centre and will be open from 16 April until 30 October. It is sponsored by the Intellectual Property Office (IPO) in collaboration with Aardman Animations. Speaking ahead of the launch, Baroness Wilcox said: “Innovation is about being exciting, creative and fun and ultimately it can lead to financial rewards. This exhibition will really inspire the young innovators of the future. By highlighting the important role that innovation and creativity play on a day to day basis I believe that the exhibition will prove to be a huge success. There are some great opportunities out there for people of all ages to develop their skills and I would encourage anyone interested in finding out more to come to the exhibition and explore what is on offer.” Intellectual property represents the property of the mind or intellect. It can be an invention, trade mark, original design or the practical application of a good idea.

(BMcN/GK)