Dave Thompson MSP

Following the initial calculations that the UK allocation of EU structural funds could be cut by more than 30% in Scotland - compared to around 6% UK-wide - the Scottish National Party welcomed the confirmation by Deputy First Minister Nicola Sturgeon that the UK government has agreed to talks on how the structural funds will be finally allocated.

The new structural fund methodology comes as a result of the recently signed EU Multi-Annual Financial Framework – but the final EU budget has still to be agreed by the European Parliament and final allocations have still to be agreed both at EU and UK level.

SNP MSP for Skye, Lochaber & Badenoch Dave Thompson questioned why the Scotland Office has not done more within the UK government and in EU discussions to protect the position of Scotland at the outset, and urged the Scottish Secretary Michael Moore to be part of "Team Scotland" in helping to achieve an equitable outcome.

Mr Thompson said: “Scotland is not yet an independent member state of the European Union, but it is clear that the devolved Scottish Government is doing everything it can to protect Scotland’s interests and ensure that we don’t get an unfair, disproportionate cut in EU structural funding.

We need an outcome that is equitable for Scotland and for the Highlands and Islands.

“It is good news, as Nicola Sturgeon has set out to the Scottish Parliament, that there are to be talks with the Westminster government and with the other devolved administration to reach a fairer allocation, and I welcome the constructive engagement by UK ministers in this regard.

“The question does have to be asked about what the Scotland Office has been doing – or perhaps not doing – as these initial figures have been produced.  Until Scotland becomes an independent country, the issue of EU structural funding is the responsibility of the UK as the member state, and the Scotland Office clearly has a role to play.  I very much hope that the Secretary of State for Scotland Michael Moore will work closely with the Scottish Government as part of 'Team Scotland', and promote Scotland's case.

“A reduction in structural funding was always expected, but to see Scotland lose a disproportionate amount would be unacceptable.  I am optimistic that a positive solution to this can be found - the Scottish Government will work constructively to find a way forward, and it is important that the Scotland Office also plays its role as part of 'Team Scotland'.”