Cornwall Calls for Devolution: MPs Push for Welsh-Style Governance Amid Cultural Claims

Calls for Cornwall to receive a devolution deal similar to that of Wales

Cornwall's recently elected Liberal Democrat MPs argue that the area's distinct cultural and historical identity justifies a special devolution agreement.

Political correspondent @fayebrownSky

Tuesday, July 16, 2024, 7:

Members of Parliament from Cornwall have urged Sir Keir Starmer to advocate for devolution for the region similar to that of Wales in the upcoming King's Speech.

Ben Maguire and Andrew George, among the newly elected Liberal Democrat MPs, emphasized that the region's distinct historical and cultural identity deserves its own special form of governance.

The Labour Party has promised to initiate a fresh "devolution revolution" aimed at stimulating economic growth, with a new "take back control" bill anticipated to be a major element of the King's Speech on Wednesday.

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In a correspondence addressed to the prime minister, the pair of members of parliament expressed their approval of this promise, noting that it aligns with Cornwall's enduring goal to obtain significantly enhanced autonomy and establish a Cornish assembly.

Mr. Maguire, representing North Cornwall in Parliament, informed Sky News that the proposed legislative body would be similar to the Senedd, the parliament of Wales.

He stated that Cornwall's unique cultural identity and historical background, being a former duchy with its own monarch and language, warranted a unique agreement.

"Many individuals in Cornwall consider themselves equal to the other Celtic nations and thus believe they merit a special status," he stated.

The Cornish language holds a distinct and safeguarded status. Similarly, the Cornish community enjoys protected recognition.

"Angela Rayner has invited everyone interested in local devolution to actively pursue it, and that is exactly what we are undertaking."

Ms. Rayner, holding the positions of deputy prime minister and communities secretary, reached out to local governments in areas lacking devolution on Tuesday, informing them that opportunities for increased authority are available if they are interested.

The specifics of the upcoming devolution agreements remain uncertain. More information is anticipated to be revealed at the state opening of parliament tomorrow, where the Labour Party will outline its legislative plans for the coming year.

Approximately 50% of individuals in England are currently covered by a devolution agreement.

Labour has claimed that regions with metro mayors, including Greater Manchester, have experienced enhanced economic development due to their ability to draw in new investments through local authority.

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Last year, the Conservative-controlled council in Cornwall scrapped proposals for that model due to local resistance, opting instead for a "level 2" agreement. This new deal provides more control over skills and renewable energy, though it lacks the £360 million investment fund that would have come with a mayoral model.

Mr. Maguire, who secured his position from the Conservatives following their significant losses in the South West during the election, stated that he is opposed to the mayoral system because it "consolidates too much power in a single individual."

He stated that adopting an assembly model would enhance thorough examination as it ensures "direct representation from every area of Cornwall."

This arrangement would enable the area to keep all of its business taxes, which currently sees around half sent to central government. These funds could then be redirected to develop affordable homes, addressing the local housing shortage exacerbated by a surge in second homes and vacation rentals.

The problem has begun to impact local schools, as a primary school earlier this year issued a warning that it might have to shut down due to families being driven out of the village by rising costs.

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Mr. Maguire, who recently took his parliamentary oath in Cornish, commented, "The existing devolution setup is inadequate—it merely serves as a facade and fails to grant Cornwall the necessary authority to tackle housing inequities."

"A significant concern is the inequality in funding per student for education. This could potentially be resolved with a comprehensive devolution agreement, instead of merely receiving minimal allocations from Westminster."

"This presents a pivotal moment to acknowledge the unique cultural identity and historical significance of Cornwall, and to tackle the longstanding disparities and injustices stemming from its geographical distance from Westminster."

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