John Lamont was pleased to welcome John Purvis MEP to the Borders as part of a two day fact finding mission. Mr Purvis and John Lamont visited a number of local companies and employers including Lynch McQueen, Emtelle and the Hawick Partnership.
John said "At a time when funding from Europe is under threat, Mr Purvis was able to see at first hand the benefits the Borders receives from this additional funding."
"In addition, John was able to see that there is a need to reform the European Procurement Rules for public contracts so that local businesses and employers are not put at a disadvantage. The recent announcement from Lynch McQueen demonstrates the risks connected to the current regime."
Mr Purvis said "I am delighted to have been able to visit the Borders this week. I have been able to see the enormous benefits which come to the Borders as a result of European funding. I will go back to Brussels better equiped to fight for the Scottish Borders."