On the day before the UK Government triggered Article 50, formally signalling the start of post-EU negotiations, the Cabinet Secretary for Environment and Rural Affairs delivered a £223million boost to Wales’ rural communities.
Lesley Griffiths confirmed she is fully committing the remaining tranche of funding under the Welsh Government Rural Communities – Rural Development Programme 2014 – 2020.
The funding, a combination of Welsh Government and EU money, is an investment in key areas that will help rural communities to be more resilient during the post-EU transition period. It will provide Wales’ farmers, food producers, landowners and others with a certain degree of assurance that they can start to make future plans and shape their business operations accordingly.
Mid and West Wales AM Eluned Morgan said, “The triggering of Article 50 has meant the end of an era for me. I very much welcome the news that Labour in Wales has announced these significant amounts of money. The Tory Government in Westminster must now make sure that Wales continues to receive the investment we need so it’s vitally important that we keep the Brexiteers to their promises.
“I’ve been having very constructive discussions with Council Chief Executives in Mid and West Wales as well as with businesses and communities about a specific economic development plan for rural Wales. This support from the Welsh Labour Government is just what our rural economy needs”.
Joyce Watson AM said, “This commitment is a welcome antidote to the uncertainty around Brexit, which has disrupted many rural businesses’ plans.
“Promises were made that Wales wouldn’t be a penny worse off outside the EU. The Welsh Government is holding up its end, the UK Government must do the same.”
ENDS
