To receive the Civic Mayor's announcements and any apologies for absence.

The Civic Mayor noted that apologies had been received from Councillors John Hale, Paul Hayes, Tracey Pilgrim, Cherry Povall and Stuart Whittingham.

The Civic Mayor reminded Members of a procedural matter that, in line with recent modifications to the Council’s Standing Orders regarding speeches during debates, he would be adhering strictly to the agreed time limits for these during this and future meetings of Council. He informed that he had written to all Members about how he would try to ensure the smooth and effective operation of Council meetings during his Mayoral Year, and a copy of his letter had been placed on Member’s seats.

He informed that:

Wirral was to mark the centenary of the Battle of the Somme with a poignant early morning 20 minute vigil at the War Memorial, Grange Hill, West Kirby at 7:30 a.m. on Friday 1st July. He explained that he would be leading the vigil at 7:30 a.m., the exact same time that the soldiers began going “over the top” at the Battle of the Somme.

The Civic Mayor further informed that the Deputy Mayor was to attend a similar vigil at the War Memorial in Bidston Village, and that other Councillors were to attend services at other War Memorials across the Borough. A notice had been published informing the public where these services are to be held.

The Civic Mayor then invited the Leaders of the political groups take a few moments of the Council’s time to comment on the implications of the outcome of the European Union Referendum.

Councillor Phil Davies stated that the outcome of last week’s Referendum on the UK’s membership of the European Union was likely to have significant implications for Wirral and the wider Liverpool City Region.

Wirral and Liverpool City Region benefited from UK membership of the EU.  In particular, the City Region was due to benefit from a commitment of over £200m of EU Structural Funds over the next few years, whilst in addition; many organisations would have been bidding for other EU programmes such as those for connectivity and innovation.

These monies funded valuable job creating projects in the City Region.

It was unclear as to what now happened with regard to these funds and projects.

Together with the Mayor of Liverpool and the Leaders of the other Councils in the City Region and our MPs, Councillor Davies was seeking urgent clarification from the government with regard to the future of this funding.

Councillor Davies informed that, as Council Leader, his priority would be to protect the interests of the people of Wirral. He further informed that he would ensure Wirral Council’s efforts in support of the people and businesses of the Borough continued.

Councillor Davies also expressed condemnation of xenophobic or racist abuse or actions that had been reported as being linked to the outcome of the Referendum, stating that any such behaviour would never be tolerated in the Borough, for whatever reason.

Councillors Jeff Green and Phil Gilchrist also spoke about the implications of the EU Referendum and their concerns over the spate of racist incidents which were abhorrent.