Mebyon Kernow has challenged the Conservative administration on the unitary authority and Cornwall’s six MPs to be more ambitious in “devolution” talks.

MK leader Cllr Dick Cole says that Cornwall needs a Celtic-style devolution settlement as in Scotland and Wales – rather than the weak accommodations with local government described as a “county deal.”

Cllr Cole’s comments follow today’s publication of a statement from the leader of Cornwall Council.

In her statement, Cllr Linda Taylor states that her administration is working to secure a “tier three” county deal at the “most ambitious level” allowed through the Levelling Up White Paper, acknowledging that it “would currently require a change of governance from a leader to a directly elected mayor for the authority.”

In addition, Cllr Taylor described Cornwall as a “unique place” and confirmed that her administration and MPs are “seeking the earliest possible meeting with the new Prime Minister to discuss the opportunity of a unique deal for Cornwall …”

MK leader Cllr Dick Cole said: “The tier three county deal being negotiated between the unitary authority and central government is a weak accommodation between local government and the centre. Indeed, it is so limited that I do not believe it can be described as devolution at all. Cornwall deserves so much better.

“Cllr Taylor’s statement rightly acknowledges Cornwall’s uniqueness and says she is seeking a deal to reflect that uniqueness. Her administration also states that it is committed to the Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities, through which the UK Government promised there would be parity between Cornwall and the other parts of the United Kingdom.

“Mebyon Kernow therefore challenges Cornwall’s Conservatives to show real ambition in any ‘devolution’ talks and that means demanding a Celtic-style devolution settlement – a Parliament for Cornwall – just as there are parliaments in Scotland and Wales.

“The option of weak accommodations with local government through a local government ‘county deal’ with a local government mayor is not what Cornwall needs.

“We call on Cllr Linda Taylor, Steve Double MP, George Eustice MP, Cherilyn Mackrory MP, Scott Mann MP, Sheryll Murray MP and Derek Thomas MP to deliver meaningful devolution for Cornwall and its people.”