The Leader of Cornwall Council John Pollard has welcomed this week’s visit by the House of Commons Exiting the EU Committee.

He says he is confident Cornwall delivered a clear message about the work it has been doing to make the most of opportunities post-Brexit - and about the actions the Government needs to take to help minimise potential risks.

Committee chairman Hilary Benn MP and MPs John Whittingdale and Alistair Burt heard evidence about the economic challenges and opportunities for Cornwall as part of the Committee’s inquiry into the UK’s negotiating objectives for withdrawal from the EU. 

The importance was stressed of finding sources of funding to enable Cornwall to build its economy, including replacing the anticipated £350m transition funding which Cornwall was due to receive after 2020.

And the committee were told of Cornwall’s ambition for greater powers and freedoms to enable more decisions on spending to made at a local level. 

Other issues raised included the specific risks to key industries, such as public services, agriculture and higher education, but also the significant opportunities to areas such as tourism; the impact of uncertainty on business and investment decisions and concerns over the future accessibility of migrant workers.

The visit ended with a round table session with representatives from local businesses and organisations.

Hilary Benn said he had been very impressed by the work which had been going on in Cornwall to prepare for post Brexit.