News from Southampton Labour

Shipping Minister: Liverpool may have to pay penalty for Cruise Terminal

The Shipping Minister has written to John Denham, Labour MP for Southampton Itchen, to confirm that Liverpool City Council may have to pay a financial penalty for commencing turnaround operations before a State Aid decision has been made by the European Commission.

The Shipping Minister, Mike Penning has written:

“The fact that Liverpool City Council has now pre-empted the Commission and commenced turnaround before a State Aids decision has been made does leave it open, in the event of a finding of unlawful Aid, to the possibility of financial penalties, including repayment of grants from the European Regional Development Fund. This is however a matter for the Commission.”

Mr Denham has said: “I welcome the Minister’s confirmation that Liverpool do not have permission to start cruises and may have to pay a penalty. But the Minister should be stepping in himself, not leaving it to Brussels to take action.”

Other news from Southampton Labour

• Denham highlights persecution of Hazaras in Quetta, Pakistan - 5 February 2013
• Southampton Labour saves Woolston Youth Club's services - 5 February 2013
• Southampton Labour finds breathing space for Newtown Youth Centre - 31 January 2013