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Monday, 24 April 2006 |
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Sandra White, SNP MSP for Glasgow has welcomed the report "Last orders! What the new EU budget means for Britains Cities" by the Institute of Public Policy Research. The report, published this month sets out very clearly Glasgow's opportunity and the Executives responsibility in attracting new European funding.
Ms White said:
"This paper is welcome and sets out very clearly the fact that if Glasgow is to receive any European monies then it will have to start making its case now. Britain will lose €7.2bn in structural funds starting in 2007 and it will fall on the Executive to fight Glasgows case. The paper suggests that remaining structural funds should be focussed on areas of opportunity within poorer regions where 'They will add most value'. Agreed. With 8 out of 10 of the countries poorest constituencies then that in itself should be case enough.
"There is also €50bn worth of 'Smart Money' which is set aside for scientific research and innovation and Glasgow and Scotland have a proud history in that sector. Indeed Rolls Royce are looking to establish a Manufacturing Research Centre in Scotland and I have already written to them pushing Glasgow's case. Surely there is a nexus of shared ambition here.
"New EU guidelines say that devolved 'regions' should have a larger say in the allocation, control and delivery of funds and that structural funding should have a 'clearer urban dimension' so there is real opportunity here. I hope the Executive take it."
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