Today marks the 23rd anniversary of the 50,000 declarations for a Cornish Assembly being delivered to 10 Downing Street and Mebyon Kernow has marked the occasion by calling for a Cornish Devolution Bill.

This is a timely call as the UK Government has just confirmed that its English Devolution Bill / White Paper will be published next week. It also comes after statements from the Deputy Prime Minister and others that Cornwall needs to be part of a combined authority with councils to the east of the Tamar to be part of the process.

Speaking on behalf of MK, Cllr Dick Cole said: “It remains to be seen whether Cornwall is referenced in the ‘English Devolution Bill / White Paper,’ while reports about the content of the document suggests it will be about combined authorities, mayors and the centralisation of local government [where there are still district councils] – rather than meaningful devolution.

“But it is likely that the bespoke democratic settlement that we seek for Cornwall is unlikely to be offered.

“Mebyon Kernow therefore repeats its call for a Cornish Devolution Bill, which fully reflects Cornish nationhood and the national minority status of the Cornish. We demand a meaningful settlement similar to those enjoyed in Scotland and Wales.”