Time for truth over halt to Cornish language funding

News from Kernow Matters To Us:

Following numerous complaints received following the announcement of a less than transparent and highly unpopular cessation of funding for the indigenous Cornish language by the Westminster Government announced during April, 2016, Kernow Matters To Us (KMTU) has today written to the Department for Communities and Local Government with the following request made under the terms and provisions of the Freedom of Information Act 2000.

This is in advance of a major campaign in respect of the Cornish language to be launched by KMTU in cooperation with other organisations the details of which are to be announced next week.

Our letter sent is as follows:

Knowledge & Information Access Team 

Department for Communities and Local Government 

2nd floor NW, Fry Building 

2 Marsham Street

London
SW1P 4DF
28 October, 2016

Dear Sirs and Mesdames

Freedom of Information Act 2000 request - Cornish language

We make this request under the terms and provisions of the Freedom of Information Act 2000.

Introduction 

In 2002, the Cornish language was recognised through the Council of Europe’s Charter for Regional and Minority Languages and in April 2014, the Westminster government also recognised the Cornish as a National Minority through the Council of Europe’s Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities.

Through these treaties, the Westminster Government gave a commitment to support Cornish identity, culture and language.

On 21st April 2016 , Cornwall Council announced immediate cessation by the Westminster Government of annual funding of up to £150,000 to support the indigenous Cornish minority language.

Request made under the Act

Please provide us with all and any documents relating to this decision including, among others, the brief for ministerial decision, any explanatory notes, any impact assessment, other documents which set out the rationale and projected consequences of the decision, as well as any internal, cross-governmental and external correspondence (including e-mails) including any written notes, emails, or records of meetings involving the following MPs: James Wharton MP, Sheryll Murray MP, Steve Double MP, Scott Mann MP, Sarah Newton MP, Derek Thomas MP and George Eustice MP and any other Minister, MP or Civil Servant.

For ease, we shall be pleased to receive your response by email and scanned document.

We also give notice that your response and enclosures will be made publicly available on social media sites, to the press and media and other places.

Yours faithfully

Chair

for John, Teresa, Craig, Tony, Matt, Mike, Clive, Ronan & Samuel

Elected Members of the KMTU Steering Group