FALMOUTH AND PENRYN LIB DEMS BACK THE EUROPEAN STRONGER IN CAMPAIGN

At a meeting held last night (Wednesday 17th February) Falmouth and Penryn Liberal Democrats unanimously voted to back the European Stronger IN campaign.

The vote followed a lively discussion between members. Concerns were voiced that European Union undoubtedly does need reform and in particular the waste of having two seats of parliament should be urgently addressed.

Local Falmouth Councillor Mathew McCarthy said that "Cornwall lost something precious when it lost its own MEP, but Cornwall would be far worse off outside of Europe than within."

This echoed the strong feeling of the meeting that Cornwall in particular has benefited so much from European funding that it would make no sense for local people to opt to leave the EU. It is estimated that up to 3 million jobs are linked to our trade with the EU, and that for every £1 the UK invests in the European Union we receive £10 back through increased trade, investment, jobs growth and lower prices.

It was also felt strongly that Europe was a key ally in protecting the brilliant natural environment of the Cornish coast which itself is vital for our economy.

Jeff Muir, Chair of the local Lib Dems said: "I am delighted, but not surprised that local members have swung behind the Stronger IN campaign. We can expect little favours here in Cornwall from central government or from our current crop of Conservative MPs, so keeping the link between Europe and Cornwall is vital for the local economy, our environment and the well being of local people."