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Stone demands clarity on post-Brexit funding for the North


By Matt Leslie

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North MP Jamie Stone has criticised the Government’s lack of clarity for post-Brexit funding for the Highlands.

Amid the current chaos in parliament on how to resolve the UK's departure from the European Union, Mr Stone insists that planning must start now before the exit is done and dusted.

The Liberal Democrat member for Caithness, Sutherland and Easter Ross still believes that a "People's Vote" that includes the option to remain in the EU must be put to the electorate.

However, with a UK Shared Prosperity Fund being implemented, Mr Stone has called on the Government to explain in full how this fund is working for the far north.

Mr Stone said: "When driving around the Highlands we cannot help but notice the signs on new bits of roads with the stars on which say this was funded by the EU.

"Without this funding these roads would most likely not have happened.

I have received nothing more than sympathy and flannel.

"This funding is essential. Notwithstanding the fact that the minister has met with me several times we seem to be no further forward on this front and my constituents find this very worrying indeed.

“A no-deal Brexit will cost Scotland £14bn a year and the UK Government has repeatedly failed to guarantee any replacement for this money if the UK leaves the EU.

"I have raised this matter again and again with the former Prime Minister and members of the government and again and again I have received nothing more than sympathy and flannel.

"The Government has had three years to think about this and it is a disgrace that we still have no answers.

"My constituents deserve better which is why the Liberal Democrats continue to calls for this to be put back to the public in a People’s Vote with the option to stay in the EU."


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