Borders funding at stake in General Election - Lyon (BANFFSHIRE and BUCHAN COAST Liberal Democrats)

BANFFSHIRE and BUCHAN COAST Liberal Democrats <info@banffandbuchanlibdems.org.uk>

Borders funding at stake in General Election - Lyon

January 26, 2010 11:35 AM
Originally published by Scottish Liberal Democrats

George Lyon, Liberal Democrat MEP for Scotland, has warned that future European funding for the Borders is at stake at the upcoming General Election, adding that only the Liberal Democrats will protect the investment in jobs and training that is so vital to the region.

The warning comes as Mr Lyon addressed the annual meeting of Lothian and Borders NFU. In his speech, Mr Lyon outlined how Scotland can meet the challenges that the upcoming reform of the Common Agricultural Policy will throw up.

George Lyon MEPCommenting after his speech, Mr Lyon said:

"By engaging with Europe Scotland can benefit from the funding and support that will help the Borders recover from recession. The Borders currently receives over £100 million in direct farm support and rural development money every year and another £100 million is up for grabs over the next six years to help people back into work.

"In the last year, European funding has been awarded to the South of Scotland 'creative clusters' project to champion business in the Borders as well as over half a million pounds to promote tourism in the region. This is just the tip of the iceberg and I don't want to see future funding threatened by Scotland being dragged to the fringes of European decision making by the Conservatives.

"While they sit on the sidelines, Liberal Democrats will continue to fight tooth and nail to ensure that the Borders continue to reap the rewards of playing an active role in Europe."