As the Secretary of State responsible for technology, I have the privilege of overseeing one of the UK’s most important sectors - important not just for its value to the UK economy, but also for its potential to change the world for the better. This government is committed to seeing this enormous potential fulfilled, and to ensuring the UK is the best place to start and grow a digital business, trial a new technology, or undertake advanced research.
But as I wrote last week, to make sure that everyone benefits from advances in digital technology and no one is left behind, it is key that we balance our desire to build a first-class digital infrastructure with a proper concern for staying safe and secure online. It can be all too easy to get swept up in the excitement surrounding new tech developments, but putting internet safety on the back-burner can result in disastrous consequences for both businesses and families.
That is why I am so proud of the work being done by the office of our Conservative Staffordshire Police and Crime Commissioner, Matthew Ellis. Staffordshire is one of a handful of counties that has currently commissioned work to understand the full extent of cyber-crime in their communities, and Staffordshire PCC is one of the only PCC offices that supports victims of business crime through targeted support from the chambers of commerce.
I am so pleased that Staffordshire is leading the way in internet safety, and I look forward to working with the PCC in the future to ensure that the fantastic Moorlands businesses which keep our community alive can get the most out of exciting new tech developments.