INVERCLYDE could lose millions of pounds from European Union funds because of the Brexit vote, it is claimed.

Greenock and Inverclyde MSP Stuart McMillan said research shows the area could be affected significantly, and has called for the creation of a Brexit Task Force.

He has written to Inverclyde Council, Greenock Chamber of Commerce, third sector organisations, and Skills Development Scotland in a bid to set up a special committee.

The MSP told the Tele: “It would assess the risks and uncertainties for Inverclyde arising from leaving the EU, with community forums to help residents understand the impact on neighbourhoods.”

His move follows an economic report from the Fraser of Allander Institute at Strathclyde University which concluded that Scotland could lose between 30,000 and 80,000 jobs as a result of Brexit.

Independent research undertaken by Mr McMillan also revealed that, as a result of Brexit, Inverclyde could potentially lose millions in European Regional Development and Employability Programme funds.

He said: “It’s absolutely clear that Brexit will confront Inverclyde with major economic challenges.

“Thankfully, the Scottish Government is taking decisive action to counter economic uncertainty.

“In August the First Minister announced a £100 million capital acceleration programme to stimulate the economy, and a further £500m for a Scottish growth scheme was announced in the programme for government.

"However, it’s clear that Inverclyde will potentially lose out in further EU structural and regional development funds that were to be awarded in the near future.

"Take into consideration how businesses and the third sector are being affected from higher import costs and possible new tariffs, and the picture locally becomes more critical.”

Mr McMillan said 64 per cent of voters in Inverclyde opted to stay in the EU to protect the jobs, investment and trade that depend on it.

He added: “A Brexit task force has been set up in Edinburgh in response to a new report warning of thousands of jobs and hundreds of millions of pounds’ worth of investment being lost in the city.

"I would like to propose setting up similar processes in Inverclyde between key stakeholders.

“I have written to them for Inverclyde to establish a taskforce that would position our community to meet the challenges of Brexit and exploit longer-term opportunities to grow our local economy.”