The leader of MK, Cllr Dick Cole, has called on one and all to support the motion which he has tabled for Tuesday’s Cornwall Council meeting. It seeks to bring everyone together in support of devolution for Cornwall.

Cllr Cole writes:

“Plymouth City Council has voted to support the ‘establishment of a South West Peninsula Mayoral Strategic Authority,’ which would ‘encompass the combined geography of Cornwall, Devon, Plymouth, and Torbay.’ The Cabinet at Torbay Council backed the creation of a ‘Mayoral Strategic Authority’ covering the same geography. MPs from the east of the Tamar have also been actively pushing for the creation of a ‘Devon and Cornwall combined authority’ with an ‘elected mayor.’ Such an entity would sit over Cornwall’s unitary authority.

“The immediate response to such arguments from people in Cornwall has certainly not been a positive one. Cornwall’s MPs have criticised this direction of travel with Andrew George MP stating that ‘Cornwall’s six MPs are united in our determination to secure devolution on a Cornwall-only footprint.’ I have also seen and heard plenty of comments, which can be broadly summarised as ‘no to Devonwall.’ A number are angry that, once again, people from outwith Cornwall are attempting to dictate to Cornwall.

“I sincerely hope councillors from all political groups will be able to unite around the motion. It has been drafted to build on how politicians have been consistent in seeking more powers for Cornwall as a political unit. I would also invite MPs and those in civic society to publicly back this motion. It is as follows:

• This Council:
• Confirms its full support of the content of the letter seeking a greater autonomy and devolution for Cornwall, sent to the Deputy Prime Minister in September, which was signed by representatives of all political groups on the unitary authority and all six of Cornwall’s MPs.
• Welcomes the efforts of Cornwall’s six MPs in continuing to make the case for devolution to Cornwall as a stand-alone political unit.
• Notes that the UK Government has just published its “English Devolution White Paper,” which does not include specific proposals for Cornwall.
• Confirms that elected members will not countenance any cross-border combined authority deals.
• And further calls for a meaningful devolution settlement for Cornwall, which properly reflects Cornwall’s national identity and the national minority status of the Cornish.
• This Council also writes again to The Prime Minister, Deputy Prime Minister and other relevant ministers seeking a meeting with a cross-party delegation from Cornwall Council.

“I am pleased that Perran Moon MP has already publicly backed the motion and I know that Cllr Andrew George MP will be present and speaking in favour.”