On Wednesday, April 1 Cornwall’s MPs have welcomed the near £180-million to fund cash grants from the Government, available to help small businesses during the Coronavirus pandemic.

This money was transferred to Cornwall Council on Friday, March 27 through the Bankers Automated Clearing System. The money is part of a series of packages issued by the Government to help businesses through this difficult and uncertain time.?? In a series of statements Cornwall’s Conservative MPs commented on how they welcome the funding into the region.

??Sheryll Murray MP for the South East of Cornwall said: “This is really welcomed. I have been contacted by many businesses who are doing their best and will really appreciate this help”.??

Cherilyn Mackrory MP for Truro and Falmouth has also noted the importance of the funding. She said: “The fact that this is such a big payment is really important. I now call on Cornwall Council to get this money distributed to our local businesses.”??

MP for North Cornwall, Scott Mann MP noted how helpful the funding would be within his own constituency. He explained: “Small business really is the backbone of our local communities and that is especially so in North Cornwall — this money will really help.”??

Derek Thomas, who is MP representative for St Ives said: “There are many businesses from Lands End to the Lizard that this will really help.

“I really welcome the help that the Isles of Scilly are getting too.”

??George Eustice, who is the MP for Camborne and Redruth commented on the difficult times ahead but welcomed the boost for Cornish businesses. He said: “As the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs I know how much our businesses really need this cash boost at this critical time. We have some very difficult weeks ahead but this welcome boost and the Cornish ability to pull together as a community will get us through this.”??

Finally, MP for St Austell and Newquay, Steve Double echoed the Government’s advice to stay at home and support the NHS. He added: “As the Parliamentary Private Secretary to the Secretary of State for Health Matt Hancock, I am acutely aware of the damage this disease is doing.

“I welcome this massive payout for local businesses and please remember to stay home to protect the NHS to save lives.”