As people across Cornwall and further afield celebrate St Piran’s Day, Mebyon Kernow – the Party for Cornwall has issued a challenge to Westminster political parties and their parliamentary candidates. The challenge relates to the upcoming tenth anniversary of the Cornish being recognised as a national minority.

In a statement issued today, MK Cllr Dick Cole said:

“The recognition of the Cornish in 2014 was a landmark ruling and the UK Government made it clear that the Cornish would be afforded ‘the same status … as the UK’s other Celtic people, the Scots, the Welsh and the Irish.’

“A significant document, the Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities sets out numerous obligations for the Westminster Parliament and public bodies. These include support for Cornish language and culture with associated improvements in education and the media, the greater visibility of the Cornish in public life and the media, the protection of the integrity of Cornwall and its historic borders, devolution, more opportunities for Cornwall and the Cornish on the international stage, and so much more.

“But sadly, progress on the obligations from the Westminster establishment has been extremely limited.

“One decade on from 24th April 2014, it is time that Government Ministers, MPs and parliamentary candidates confirmed what they are committed to doing to deliver on the articles of the Framework Convention for the Cornish.”

In addition, Mebyon Kernow will be holding a half-day Conference on Saturday 20th April, at which delegates will consider how we put greater pressure on those in authority to deliver on the Framework Convention.

The meeting will be in the council offices in Truro and will take place between 2.00 and 5.00. One and all are welcome to attend and more information will follow in the coming weeks.