Newspaper Column – The Cornishman – 20/10/25

 

• I remain determined to prevent Government Ministers from bribing or bullying Cornwall into a ‘Combined Mayoral Authority’ across a wide south west of England region. That’s the challenge we face. 

 

Cornwall’s 6 MPs and Cornwall Council have collectively made our position clear to the government. We too want devolution. But on our terms. The only ‘region’ for Cornwall is Cornwall. If we stand together, I’m confident we can do this. 

 

Devolution is about letting go of power, not controlling from the centre. Many local authorities in England are falling into line. But Cornwall has more at stake and more to lose. That’s why we’re standing our ground. Insisting that Cornwall, not London, should decide how it’s governed and to negotiate its direct relationship with central government, not through a Mayor based in Exeter, Taunton, or Bristol. 

 

Regrettably, the Government’s agenda appears to be based on (ephemeral) rewards/bribes at the expense of addressing actual need (which ought surely to be any government’s first priority). That should neither be condoned nor permitted to continue. 

 

So, Cornwall’s case is to also take on this wider ethical purpose – ie to stop government using its financial muscle to ‘bribe’ or ‘bully’ territories into accepting governance structures designed for the convenience of central government and contrary to the interests of the locality. The last Government used public funds to attempt to protect its most vulnerable marginal constituencies. This Government is saying that if Cornwall doesn’t cooperate with its Combined Mayoral agenda, it will miss out on vital funding. But a good government should use its resources to support those areas, like Cornwall, most in need, irrespective of whether it accepts top-down structures of governance. 

 

So, we have a moral case to make, as well as, of course, making sure we protect the integrity and do our best for Cornwall. 

 

• Our 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐀𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐅𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐚𝐥 is tomorrow, Friday, 24th October – 12pm to 6pm 

At Humphry Davy School, Penzance 

An array of local charities, advice agencies and support. To celebrate the talent and kindness of our community organisations. 

Family-friendly, promoting wellbeing and help with cost-of-living challenges. Stalls offering advice, resources, and connections, alongside a variety of activities and attractions.  

Free, freshly cooked, soup and snack will also be available throughout.  

It’s an honour to be asked to arrange and host this. I’m enormously grateful to many local charities (including: Trelya, Volunteer Cornwall, Penzance Foodbank, Whole Again Communities), public agencies (like the Job Centre, Healthy Cornwall, Ambulance and Fire services, Active Cornwall, Livewest, South West Water) and advice organisations (like Citizens’ Advice/CAB, Inclusion Cornwall, Neighbourhood Energy Action, Mental Health Hub, Age UK, local GP Surgeries). Over 30 organisations, demonstrating the wealth of talent, support and help available.  

Organised by my office, with the support of a volunteer team. I hope you can come. 

andrew.george.mp@parliament.uk  

01736 339526