Published: Friday, 5th March, 2010 4:14pm

Summit forces focus on Ayrshire, says MP

Following the Labour UK Government's emergency Ayrshire Jobs Summit at Kilmarnock College last week, the SNP have announced they will hold a similar event on 15 March 2010 at Grange Academy, Kilmarnock.

Des Browne MP said: "The SNP's Jim Mather the Minister responsible for economic development in Scotland does not seem to prioritise Ayrshire without the pressure of the UK 's Labour Government. It is only after the emergency summit in Kilmarnock College last week, he has eventually set a date for a similar event ; an event he promised this area last year.

"I'm glad the SNP are finally taking Labour's lead to support Ayrshire. Perhaps now we can start to see real action being taken to secure the future of our communities."

"I have to say, that the SNP's notion to spend millions of public money on a referendum when they aren't exercising the powers that they currently have to support Ayrshire is wrong. People here need jobs. The SNP have the responsibility for enterprise in Ayrshire and had it not been for the Labour Government stepping in last week and embarrassing them, I would bet we would still be waiting for any notice."

Cathy Jamieson said: "Although the event seems to be cobbled together at the last minute, I will make sure I can attend so we can collectively build on what came out of the emergency Job Summit last week. It will be good to have the opportunity to take up the issues Ayrshire is facing with Scottish Enterprise ."