Ministers want devolution by central diktat! – George

Responding to government ministers’ suggestions that Cornwall should “partner with neighbouring authorities” if it wants to “deepen its devolution agreement”, Andrew George MP expressed disappointment that ministers “seem to want devolution by central diktat” and that they clearly hadn’t understood Cornwall’s case. 

Andrew said: 

“Government ministers responses to Cornwall expose that they neither understand why Cornwall proposes we should have our own devolved institution nor why it would be to Cornwall’s detriment to be forced into a combined authority with a Mayor overlording Cornwall, Devon and heaven knows where else.  

“If they’re sincerely committed to devolution, Ministers need to understand that devolution is about letting go, not holding on to decision-making. No government would have said to Wales that devolution was on the condition that it “must partner with neighbouring authorities” in the West Midlands. But in effect, that’s what they’re saying to Cornwall. 

“It’s nonsense and Cornwall’s six MPs need time in front of ministers to explain this to them.”