Steve Double, Member of Parliament for St Austell and Newquay, has today questioned the Prime Minister in Parliament on the future of European funding for Cornwall.
Speaking earlier today, Steve asked:
“Despite 3 rounds of European Regional Development funding the Cornish economy still lags around 30% below the UK average.”
“The Chancellor’s recent announcements that the government will continue to support projects that rely on funding through the EU until we leave have been welcomed.”
“However, does my right honourable friend agree that Brexit presents an opportunity for us to develop our own regional economic programme that is less bureaucratic, more effectively targeted and better value for money for the taxpayer?”
“And will the Prime Minister confirm that her government will continue to invest in the poorer parts of the country like Cornwall once we leave?”
In response the Prime Minister said:
"I thank my honourable friend and I can give him that assurance. And of course what I was saying at our party conference, what I've been saying since I became Prime Minister, is we want an economy that works for everyone, that means for every part of our country including areas like Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly.”
“We've already negotiated a devolution deal with Cornwall that was signed in 2015 that will demonstrate, I think, that we recognise the challenges Cornwall faces, but we're open to further discussions with Cornwall on ways in which we can improve their economy for the future."
Commenting after PMQS, Steve said:
“One of the key questions asked by people in Cornwall since the referendum has been whether the UK Government be committed to support the Cornish economy following cessation of European funding.”
“I am delighted that the Prime Minister has made clear that this Government and will continue to work with us to ensure we deliver what Cornwall needs. I will continue to work with my Cornish MP colleagues to be a strong voice for Cornwall and make sure we do not lose out when it comes to continued funding from Westminster.”