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 several rounds of European Regional Development funding the Cornish economy still lags around 30% below the UK average.”
“Does the Prime Minister 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 would 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 will continue to work with us to ensure we deliver what Cornwall needs. I was pleased to hear the PM confirm that she recognises the challenges Cornwall faces.
"I believe we have an opportunity to develop an economic programme that will be more effective than that we have had through the EU, and along with my Cornish MP colleagues I will do all I can to make sure we get the investment we need.”