LOCAL MP CALLS FOR CORNWALL'S CONVERGENCE FUNDING TO BE PROTECTED

5.24.52pm BST (GMT +0100) Tue 13th Jul 2010

Stephen Gilbert, MP for St Austell & Newquay, has today written to the Minister of State following revelations that the Government has frozen the match funding for EU Convergence Investment through the South West RDA.

The freeze will last until March 2011 while the Government completes a full spending review this autumn.

In his letter to the Minister, Stephen outlines his concern over the impact that any budget cut may have on local projects which could see thousands of jobs lost and millions of pounds of additional investment taken away from Cornwall. Stephen has asked for an urgent meeting with the Minister to discuss the issue.

Commenting, Stephen Gilbert said:

"Cornwall receives this European investment because it has some of the most deprived communities in the UK. Already, convergence funding has made a real difference to so many people in Cornwall, creating thousands of new jobs and providing lasting infrastructure.

"My message is clear, hands off Cornwall's cash. I will be using my position within the Coalition Government to make that representation to the Minister as soon as possible."