Cornwall Council OVERWHELMINGLY passes motion supporting Cornwall-only devolution   

In today’s debate at New County Hall, Cornwall Councill overwhelmingly (56 votes for and 4 against) passed a motion that Cornwall should press for devolution on a Cornwall-only footprint.  

Andrew George, Liberal Democrat MP of the West Cornwall and Isles of Scilly constituency of St Ives attended the debate in his Cornwall Councillor role, where he conveyed the settled determination of all of Cornwall’s 6 MPs to press for this, rather than see Cornwall join a ‘super region’ with neighbouring authorities.  

Andrew told Councillors that Cornwall had taken on and won many political battles when doors had previously “been slammed in our face”. He spoke from experience about the campaign for Cornwall to win EU Objective 1 status “even though we’d been firmly told that not only we couldn’t do it, but that we shouldn’t do it because it would upset our neighbours”. He also gave examples of Cornwall overturning odds against it when he led campaigns to secure the official recognition of the Cornish language and the recognition of the Cornish as a national minority. 

“We won’t be thanked, applauded or encouraged by our neighbours for our determination to stand up for Cornwall. That’s why it’s vitally important we all hold our nerve. Of course, we’ll be offered inducements (some may call them bribes) and face pressure (be bullied) not to continue with our campaign for devolution on a Cornwall only footprint. Not everyone will hold their nerve, but I urge those who want back down to instead get behind those who will hold their nerve and are prepared to see this through. 

The decisions we make now will have an impact on Cornwall’s governance for over a century. Inducements are ephemeral and will last only a few years at the most before they’re withdrawn. Future generations won’t thank us if we bottle it now,” said Andrew.