Simon Danczuk calls for Parliamentary debate on “utterly unacceptable” BT

Simon Danczuk MP

Rochdale MP Simon Danczuk has called for a Parliamentary debate on the performance of BT after the telecoms giant’s poor response to the recent floods.

BT has been unable to say how many households and businesses in Rochdale were cut off after floodwater damaged underground cables, but it is understood the figure could be in the thousands.

More than a month after the floods, new cables have yet to be installed leaving families cut off and many business at risk of permanent closure as they cannot process card payments.

http://www.rochdaleonline.co.uk/news-features/1/business-news/100445/bt-customers-express-anger-as-phone-lines-remain-down

Mr Danczuk, who accused BT of dragging its feet over the Rochdale repairs, is calling for all MPs whose constituents have been let down by the company to support his call for a debate.

He said: “BT Openreach has been entrusted with the installation and maintenance of the country’s telecoms infrastructure.

“This is a huge responsibility but after the abysmal response in the aftermath of the flooding, many of my constituents are rightly questioning whether BT is up to the job.

“I have no doubt that my fellow MPs in other flood hit areas are hearing similar complaints in their surgeries and on the doorstep. 

“This is a bigger issue than just the flood response, BT is guilty of a catalogue of other failures.

“From abysmal customer service to the painfully slow roll-out of superfast broadband to rural areas, it is time we asked whether BT Openreach is fit for purpose.

“I think a Parliamentary debate on this issue is something the UK public would like to see.

“I will also be meeting face to face with officials from BT to make it clear in no uncertain terms that the response to the floods has been utterly unacceptable.”