Schools and doctors' surgeries across the UK are to get broadband internet access, Tony Blair has announced.

The prime minister said that the internet will play an important role in improving public services, and highlighted the £5.96 billion promised by Gordon Brown for e-government in the comprehensive spending review, of which £1 billion has been set aside for broadband.

Forum Response: Countryside Alliance

A spokesman for the Countryside Alliance told ePolitix.com: "The CA asked the PM to 'demonstrate a commitment to the reduction of social exclusion by rolling out broadband IT in rural areas to the same level as other EU countries" in the 10 point proposal put to him the day after the Liberty and Livelihood March.

"Nothing in this announcement gives the Alliance any reason to believe that the government is anywhere near meeting the IT needs of rural people."

Forum Response: Institute of Directors

A spokesman for the IoD told ePolitix.com: "The Institute of Directors warmly supports the government's target to create in the UK the most extensive and competitive broadband market in the G7.

"This potential new infrastructure, underpinned by central and local government's own broadband purchasing for schools, colleges, libraries, hospitals, business links, GP surgeries and so on, should bring the advantages of cost effective 'always on' broadband services to many small and medium sized businesses that previously had little prospect of such access."

Forum Response: Professional Association of Teachers

Deborah Simpson, senior officer at the PAT, told ePolitix.com: "PAT welcomes this important investment in the latest technology. However, the government must ensure that it can also deliver the vital staff, training and equipment necessary to make this new technology effective in schools."

Forum Response: National Union of Teachers

A spokesman for the NUT told ePolitix.com: "Most schools are already on the internet and this proposal will allow more pupils to use it. A broadband link will also make it faster and more convenient."