Press Office

MK demands Cornish Devolution Bill

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…

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Mebyon Kernow comment on planning changes

Comment from Cllr Dick Cole – Leader of Mebyon Kernow

The Deputy Prime Minister made a number of television appearances over the weekend to outline the Labour Government’s approach to planning. This was in advance of the publication of a revised National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF). Angela Rayner spoke about overhauling planning rules and sometimes even bypassing local authorities, in order to remove “subjectiveness” from the system. Others from the Government have made statements about streamlining the planning process and rubberstamping development proposals. Obviously, planning is not just about housing, but…

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The latest from the Minister …

The publication of the English Devolution Bill / White Paper is expected next week. On Monday, Noah Law, the Labour MP for St Austell and Newquay asked a parliamentary question of Jim McMahon, the Minister for Local Government and English Devolution, who was recently reported as stating that his preferred footprint for a “devolution deal” was “Devon and Cornwall.” His latest utterance was interesting. The full text of the exchange was as follows: Noah Law MP: “Given that the mayoral council…

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New Honorary President for MK

MK members at their 2024 National Conference have selected Colin Lawry to be the Party’s new Honorary President. Colin has been a member of the Party for Cornwall for over 45 years. He also holds the record of being MK’s most successful election candidate. He has contested the most elections to principal authorities as an MK candidate. He won 75% of his twelve contests, representing MK on Penwith District Council between 1982 and 2002 and on Cornwall County Council between 1985…

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“Coming together for Devolution”

Comment from Cllr Dick Cole – Leader of Mebyon Kernow

It has been widely reported that, at a meeting of the organisation known as South West Councils, Jim McMahon (Minister of State for “Local Government and English Devolution”), stated that his preferred footprint for a devolution deal would be “Devon and Cornwall” block. This was certainly a talking point at the National Conference of Mebyon Kernow – the Party for Cornwall, which took place in Truro on Saturday. In what I am sure was a departure from most such political gatherings,…

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Update from MK’s 2024 Conference

At MK’s National Conference held on Saturday (23rd November), Party Leader Cllr Dick Cole gave a well-received speech about the present debate about devolution. He praised Cornwall’s MPs and councillors for sending a clear collective message to Westminster since the July General Election, backing meaningful devolution for Cornwall, linked to a full recognition of its unique place within the United Kingdom and the national minority status of the Cornish. But he condemned the failure of central government to respond to Cornwall’s…

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