EU Funding

Tom Clarke Excerpts

Tuesday 25th February 2014 Commons Chamber

[John Healey]

I understand that. Northern Ireland, South Yorkshire and Merseyside all face similar problems, and under this funding period arrangement they have all been designated as transition regions. I must say to the hon. Gentleman that the GDP—the wealth, product and income—in Northern Ireland is in fact higher than it is in South Yorkshire and in Merseyside, yet the decisions the Government have taken mean that Northern Ireland will be protected, with its drop in funding for these seven years compared with the previous seven years being limited to just 5%, whereas we face a funding cut of more than 50%. I think he would agree that that simply is not fair.

[Mr Tom Clarke (Coatbridge, Chryston and Bellshill) (Lab)]

I apologise to my right hon. Friend for the number of interventions, but he is so well informed. A few moments ago, he referred to the protection of the highlands and islands of Scotland. Will he offer advice to me and perhaps to the people of Scotland as to what might happen in the event of Scotland voting for independence?

[John Healey]

My right hon. Friend poses a bigger question than I would have imagined from the terms of this debate. Clearly, Scotland would have to become a part of the European Union and then to lay its claim for any potential structural funding support in the way that this programme is designed to deliver.