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Cornwall backs Brexit then asks to be allowed to keep its EU funding

Cornwall has received millions from the EU to help with infrastructure
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Jamie Micklethwaite
27 June 2016

Cornwall pleaded with the government to step in to fill the gap to be left by EU funding after the county decisively voted for Brexit.

The county, which has suffered economically since the collapse of the mining industry, relies heavily on subisidies from Brussels.

It is believed to have received more than €650million from 2007 to 2013 in EU funding to help develop infrastructure, broadband and universities.

But that didn't stop Cornish voters backing Brexit by a majority of 56 per cent in the EU referendum.

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Council leader John Pollard has now appealed to the British government for protection amid fears Brussels subsidies have been put in jeopardy.

He said: “Now that we know the UK will be leaving the EU we will be taking urgent steps to ensure that the UK Government protects Cornwall’s position in any negotiations.

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“We will be insisting that Cornwall receives investment equal to that provided by the EU programme which has averaged £60million per year over the last 10 years.”

Prior to the vote, a statement on the council’s website said the county had been reassured that leaving the EU would not affect funds that had already been allocated to it by the EU.

Brexit campaigners also promised Cornwall would receive equal or better investment before the vote.

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