Article by Cllr Dick Cole to be published in the Cornish Guardian newspaper (12th June 2024)

Nominations have closed for the General Election and there are over 40 candidates in place, all vying to be elected as one of Cornwall’s six MPs. Most of them represent political parties and, as I write this, I am awaiting the publication of the manifestos. I am hoping that, unlike for previous UK-wide polls, these important documents will include specific commitments for Cornwall – just as they have traditionally included promises for Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales. Fingers crossed?

Linked to this, I am expecting many of the candidates to be arguing that, if elected, they will be champions for Cornwall in Westminster, rather than representatives of their respective parties in Cornwall. But what will this actually mean in practice?

The prospect of devolution for Cornwall is something that is regularly “talked about” by politicians to the west of the Tamar. As a member of Mebyon Kernow, I have campaigned for meaningful devolution throughout my adult life, and I remain disappointed that many politicians feel devolution is nothing more than tweaks to local government.

I would therefore like to use this column to invite all would-be MPs to confirm whether they support the creation of a legislative Cornish Parliament or a National Assembly of Cornwall. And, if this is not the case, to what degree, and how, would they seek to bring greater decision-making powers to Cornwall to make decisions about what is best for our communities in terms of the economy, environment, housing, planning and so much more.

In addition, I would also ask the candidates where they stand in relation to the national minority status of the Cornish people and the 2014 statement from the UK Government that we would be treated the same as the UK’s other Celtic peoples. If elected, will they seek greater parity for Cornwall with Wales and Scotland?

It would be a massive understatement to note that the Westminster establishment has failed to fully meet their obligations through the Framework Convention in terms of devolution, support for language and culture, education and the media, the protection of historic territories, more opportunities on the international stage, etc. There is so much that needs to be done, and will the candidates commit themselves to rising to this challenge?

Then, of course, there is the historic and ongoing underfunding of public services. What cast-iron guarantees will the political candidates be able to give that their party will make fair funding for Cornwall a reality? And will the present Shared Prosperity Funding be extended into the future, as this investment is still so badly needed?