As the political parties standing in the General Election publish their manifestos, it is the intention of Mebyon Kernow to review what they have to say about devolution for Cornwall, obligations to the Cornish national minority / Cornwall as set out in the Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities, and fair funding for public services to the west of the Tamar.

The Tory manifesto was published today. It is 80 pages long.

Cornwall is mentioned once in the context of “championing our fishing sector.” The statement is as follows: “We have taken back control of our waters post-Brexit and will continue to back our fishing sector to feed the nation, build long term sustainability, and grow coastal businesses from Shetland to Cornwall.”

Cornwall is not mentioned in the context of devolution or fair funding or anything else.

Relevant extracts from the document about devolution and the Shared Prosperity Fund are as follows:

“Empower communities through devolution and new powers. By 2030, every part of England that wants one will have a devolution deal. We will offer our ‘level 4’ devolution powers to areas in England with a devolution deal and a directly elected leader, starting with the Tees Valley.”

“Extend the UK Shared Prosperity Fund for three years at the next Spending Review, before using this funding to support UK-wide National Service. Both schemes will involve funding community groups focused on increasing life chances, instilling civic pride and boosting people’s skills.”

Figures for the UK SPF are included in the document, but only in the context of the devolved administrations.

“Extend the UK Shared Prosperity Fund for another three years, delivering a further £540 million a year for communities across Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.”