Beith slams Government for refusal of European money for the North

10.30.00pm GMT Fri 6th Mar 2009

Sir Alan Beith MP is continuing his campaign, backed by Fiona Hall MEP, against the Labour Government's refusal of the European Commissions offer to extend the time in which the English Regions can spend money from the European Development Fund.

Sir Alan said "It is inconceivable that the Government have refused to take up the European Commissions offer to extend the period in which the English Regions can spend this money.

"In effect the Government have blocked the way to millions of pounds being spent to improve the economy of the North.

"What makes this decision by the Government even more questionable is that they have allowed Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland to bid for this funding and have allowed them to have the extension of 6 months in which to spend it.

"In the current economic climate this money would be of great help to the North East and our local economy.

"I would call on the Government to make the money they have received from making this decision available to the North East and other English Regions to compensate us for the vast sums of regeneration money we have lost."

Sir Alan has signed a House of Commons motion calling on the Government to explain its actions and to compensate the English Regions who have lost out from their decision.