News from Cornwall Labour

Coalition’s broken election promises mean cuts in Cornwall

Cornwall’s economic progress could falter as Lib Dem and Tory MPs break the promises they made to voters in the county, says Labour spokesperson Jude Robinson, in response to the threatened cuts from the coalition government.

Jude said: “The Conservatives are now reverting to type and sharpening their axes but it is also appalling how easily the Lib Dems have abandoned their principles and election promises.

“All the pledges made the the Tories about ‘green’ jobs and new industry for Cornwall have been abandoned. Cuts to investment could set our economy back as renewable energy projects like the wave hub are threatened by cuts.”

The Lib Dems’ promised to bring extra funding to Cornwall but have entered coalition with the Tories and support the swingeing cuts. Vince Cable, Lib Dem Business Secretary has said he plans to protect other areas of the country from the worst of the cuts, which will mean the South West could face huge funding problems.

Regional Development Agency support for the wave hub, renewable energy projects and match funding for convergence has been a major factor in Cornwall’s economic growth and the county’s ability to weather the recent global recession, with lower unemployment than many other parts of the country.

Jude said: “It cost a lot to avoid economic meltdown after the global financial crisis. Labour policies would have promoted economic growth and repaid the debt in a planned way. These cuts will cause massive problems.”

Other news from Cornwall Labour

• Hundreds sign Falmouth for Orders petition - 30 January 2012
• Labour and unions campaign for dredging the port of Falmouth - 18 January 2012
• Regional funding put at risk by ministers' failure to act - 8 January 2012