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MK SAYS THAT PARITY OF INFLUENCE AND INVESTMENT WITH SCOTLAND AND WALES, PLUS A COMPREHENSIVE DEVOLUTION DEAL, WOULD BE A WORTHWHILE G7 LEGACY FOR CORNWALL

Mebyon Kernow has wished world leaders the best for the G7 Summit, which formally commences at Carbis Bay today (Friday 11th June).

Members of the Party for Cornwall hope that world leaders will step up to the challenge to do more to tackle climate change and boost the global response to the coronavirus pandemic, with support for a vaccine roll-out in poorer countries.

But MK’s leadership team has also challenged the UK Government to use the G7 Summit as an opportunity to commit itself to deliver a meaningful devolution settlement for Cornwall.

In a statement issued today (Friday 11 June), the MK’s four-strong leadership team said:

“World leaders at the G7 Summit will be addressing global issues of immense significance, and we sincerely hope that they will use their time in Cornwall to ‘step up’ efforts to tackle climate change and boost the global response to the pandemic. This must include financial support for a vaccine roll-out in poorer countries.

“But we would challenge the UK Government to also use the G7 as an opportunity to promise a comprehensive devolution deal for Cornwall, which builds on Cornwall’s place as one of the five nations of the United Kingdom.

“And our members feel it would be fitting for an international summit of this magnitude – held in Cornwall – for ministers to pledge to meet all their obligations towards the Cornish as set out in the Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities.

“The Government claims that ‘the whole of Cornwall will reap the benefits of hosting the G7,’ many politicians are talking about ‘putting Cornwall on the map’ while there is much speculation what legacy there will be from the event.

“In terms of legacy, we want to see positive and concerned actions to tackle the poverty and inequality that so many Cornish residents face.

“While we acknowledge that three Cornish towns will benefit from the latest bidding rounds for the Government’s ‘towns fund’ and money has been found for some environmental improvements, much more needs to be done for there to be a real legacy for the whole of the Cornish nation.

“Government ministers need to view Cornwall as more than just a picturesque backdrop to G7. And what better legacy could there be than parity with the other Celtic parts of the UK, such as Scotland and Wales, in terms of influence and investment, and a comprehensive devolution deal, which would deliver a Cornish Assembly or Parliament?

“Such a legacy that will ensure that we have the political powers to build a political, economic, environmental and cultural future that everyone in Cornwall can be proud off.”

The MK leadership team is made up of Cllrs Dick Cole (Party Leader), Cllr Loveday Jenkin (Deputy Leader), Andrew Long (Treasurer) and Michael Bunney Party Development Officer)

BOUNDARY REVIEW INTO PARLIAMENTARY SEATS IS NOT RECOMMENDING A DEVONWALL SEAT

The Boundary Commission (for England) has today published its initial recommendations for parliamentary seats. It is recommending six whole constituencies for Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly.

This outcome is as predicted by Mebyon Kernow, because Cornwall’s present electorate means that it justifies exactly six seats.

However, the legislation does not protect Cornwall’s national border. If, as predicted, Cornwall’s population continues to rise faster than the UK as a whole, it is extremely likely that in the next review – due in about ten years – it may be impossible to stop Devonwall.

That is why MK is continuing to campaign for the legisation to be amended to Keep Cornwall Whole, now and into the future.

A tribute to Neil Plummer

At today’s meeting of Cornwall Council, Cllr Loveday Jenkin paid a heartfelt tribute to Neill Plummer, who died in April. The tribute was followed by a minute's silence.

As well as focussing on his work as an MK activist and as a councillor (Kerrier District Council 1976-2009; Cornwall County Council 1984-2009 and Cornwall Council 2009-2013), Loveday also spoke about his wide-ranging efforts to protect the Cornwall that he loved so much and his support for Cornish culture and identity; along with his great talent as a singer.

In particular, we would like to share Loveday’s closing words:

“Neil o kannas meur rag Kernow ha ni a dal gul vri anodho rag bos den mas a Gernow. Re bo y lev el klewes y’n nev!”
“Neil was a great ambassador for Cornwall and we should esteem him for being an excellent man of Cornwall. May his angel voice be heard in heaven.”

A full tribute will appear in the next edition of MK’s magazine Cornish Nation.