Stronger Towns Fund:
Scottish Towns
(Glasgow Central) (SNP)
It speaks volumes that even the Scottish Tories are disappointed
by the stronger towns fund, which represents a drop in the ocean
compared with the estimated loss of €13 billion of European
regional development fund money that towns, villages, cities and
high streets will lose under the Tories’ chaotic Brexit plans.
Can the Minister guarantee that not a single penny will be lost
to Scotland as a result of this chaos?
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Housing,
Communities and Local Government (Jake Berry)
I am not sure whether the hon. Lady has some sort of special
insight. She seems to think that ERDF funding has already been
lost. It is, of course, correct that the Government consult
widely, not least with the devolved Administrations, on the
future of the UK shared prosperity fund. It is absolutely right
that we focus on delivering growth in every part of our United
Kingdom, including Scotland.
It is undeniable that money we would have got through ERDF
funding will be lost on leaving the European Union, and this
Government have no plans and no guarantees to replace that money.
What is more, this Tory Government are intent on stringing
Scotland along with promises of money—promises that, by their
very nature, undermine the principles of devolution. Does the
Minister not understand that, or does he just not care? He needs
to show that he respects the Scotland Act 1998. If not, we move
on.
The hon. Lady says it is undeniable that money has already been
lost.
indicated assent.
That is not correct. If the hon. Lady has details, perhaps she
will let me have them. We have been absolutely clear that we will
respect all the devolution settlement as we move forward with the
UK shared prosperity fund. But she does not have to wait, as we
have already had 500 face-to-face engagements with stakeholders.
I have engaged with all of England’s metro mayors, and we
continue to have discussions with the devolved Administrations. I
would have thought that, as an SNP Member of Parliament, she had
been told that by her colleagues up in Scotland.
TOPICAL
QUESTIONS
(Stirling) (Con)
It is one of the purposes of this Conservative and Unionist
Government to strengthen the Union. Will my right hon. Friend
tell the House what his Department is doing to strengthen the
Union?
The Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local
Government (James Brokenshire)
My hon. Friend makes a really powerful and important point on the
issue of the Union, which I believe in hugely and passionately,
and how we strengthen it and act on that. Through the UK shared
prosperity fund, but also through the stronger towns fund, we do
have the opportunity to ensure that all parts of our proud Union
are playing their role in this country’s prosperity and future,
and that is something I and my Department are proud to challenge.
