Jeremy Corbyn has responded to a series of questions asked by the Countryside Alliance, probing the Labour leader his views on key rural issues.
The rural organisation asked Corbyn whether he supports the current government's commitment to a broadband Universal Service Obligation (USO) with with speeds of 10 Mbit/s.
"I support the Universal Service Obligation, but think the government need to go far further than this in ensuring all our communities have reliable, affordable access to high-speed broadband," Jeremy Corbyn said.
"Fast broadband access is an essential in modern life and the problem of poor access is felt acutely in rural areas that are too often overlooked by service providers.
"By investing £500 billion in infrastructure, manufacturing and new industries backed up by a publicly-owned National Investment Bank and regional banks we will build a high skilled, high tech, low carbon economy and as part of this this we care committed to investing in high speed broadband, as well as the energy, transport and homes that our country needs."
EU funding and CAP
The Countryside Alliance then aksed if the Labour leader agrees that current levels of EU funding available to UK agriculture under the CAP should be maintained until at least 2020.
He responded: "I’m absolutely determined that the costs of Brexit should not be borne by ordinary British people.
"Labour under my leadership will fight hard to make sure jobs and livelihoods in Britain are protected, across the whole of British industry.
"We’ve called on government to make guarantees on funding where this is now subject to the uncertainty caused by Brexit negotiations," he concluded.
Rural housing
The rural organisation asked Corbyn if there needs to be more incentives for landowners to make land available for affordable housing in rural communities.
"I’ve pledged to build a million homes, including at least half a million council homes, over five years to address the housing emergency.
"I think there needs to be regional targets for this homebuilding, backed up by a commitment to high-quality job creation, so that building is not just concentrated in the South East of England, but addresses the housing crisis across the whole country.
"The problems of infrastructure in the UK affect rural communities very deeply.
"I’m committed to the maintenance and extension of the rural bus network, extending our publicly controlled bus networks for a better service," Jeremy Corbyn said.
Firearms
The Countryside Alliance then went on to the topic of firearms, asking Mr Corbyn if he can assure the 650,000 holders of shotgun and firearms certificates in this country that he supports lawful shooting.
"I support the effective regulation and control of firearms, with clear, accessible and enforceable laws as needed," Jeremy Corbyn concluded.
