UK Government Cuts For Cornish Langauge Condemned

News from Kernow Matters To Us:

'Kernow Matters To Us' (KMTU) utterly condemns the United Kingdom Government for failing to return £150,000 of Cornwall raised taxation in order to support the Cornish language.

It is possible that this move may be in contravention of the spirit of the Charter for Regional and Minority Languages in 2003 and the recognition of the Cornish people as a national minority in April 2014 and their incorporation into the Framework Convention for National Minorities.

This small amount which represents very little in terms of expenditure of taxation should be compared against the cost of each six hour RAF Tornado mission at around £210,000, adding to that cost is the use of four Paveway bombs at £22,000 each and two Brimstone missiles at £105,000 each. If all weapons are fired on an average mission the cost of each RAF mission is therefore £508,000*

Monitoring social media, our members have already noted that the move has outraged many in Cornwall with some threatening to withhold tax and other payments in protest.

Within minutes of the announcement, Dr Jon Mills had established a petition calling for the Westminster Government to reverse their decision. This petition may be found here: https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/128474

It is well known that the Conservatives have little time for Cornwall other than to view it as a holiday resort and second homes venue with an extractive economy. This latest news is just confirmation of that and the widespread condemnation of the decision from all sectors of the community in Cornwall is evidence enough that a huge mistake has been made and that Cornwall continues to lose out under direct Westminster rule.

KMTU which is growing in terms of members at an enormous rate since its stand over Tintagel Castle and the actions and proposed actions of English Heritage there, is further considering a course of action over Westminster's dubious and anti Cornish shortsighted decision.

The full Cornwall Council media release follows:

Cornwall Council condemns Government decision to cut funding for Cornish language

21 April 2016

Cornwall Council has condemned the Government’s decision to cut all its funding for the Cornish language with immediate effect.

The Government has provided up to £150,000 a year to support the Cornish language since it was recognised under the Charter for Regional and Minority Languages in 2003. This grant has been used to support the development of the language, including funding a range of educational activities. At the end of last year the Council was asked by the Government to submit a bid for funding for the current financial year. This bid was supported by MPs, George Eustice and Sarah Newton, as well as Cornish Members of the House of Lords, Cornwall Chamber of Commerce, and the Cornwall and Isles of Scilly LEP.

The Council has now received a formal letter from the Department of Communities and Local Government stating that it was not providing any further funding to support the development of the Cornish language – despite the recognition of the Cornish people as a national minority in April 2014.

Criticising the decision of the Government Julian German, the Council’s Cabinet Member for Economy and Culture, said “The Cornish language is a great source of pride for Cornwall and is part of what makes Cornwall and the Cornish unique. Over the last five years use of the language has increased and this is reflected in street names, signage and on mainstream and social media. Just as importantly, it supports our local and visitor economy as the increase in the use of the language in marketing and tourism has proved.“

“The Government’s decision not to support Cornish with any funding whatsoever goes against the international agreements they have signed up to and that makes no sense at all. Cornwall has received funding from Government for a number of years and all we asked for was to continue at this level of funding.”

“The Prime Minister makes a point of telling us how much he loves Cornwall and the Devolution Deal highlights the Government’s recognition of our unique culture and heritage. However, when it comes to backing those statements up, the Government just doesn’t deliver for Cornwall.”

The decision has also angered Malcolm Bell, Head of Visit Cornwall, who said “The Cornish language is an essential part of the Cornwall brand”.

Cornwall Council will be working with the Cornish language, community and representative organisations such as the Gorseth to discuss how to protect and develop the Cornish language in the future.

Julian German, the Cabinet Member for Economy and Culture, Malcolm Bell, Head of Visit Cornwall and Toby Parkin, President of the Cornwall Chamber of Commerce, are happy to do interviews on this.
· Julian German can be contacted on 07737 183690
· Malcolm Bell can be contacted on 07800 649178
· Toby Parkin can be contacted at 07977 933664

The petition raised by Dr Mills is here: https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/128474

(*) TruePublica.org.uk 8th December 2015 Cost of Britain bombing of Syria

Oll an gwella / All the best

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

Elected Members of the KMTU Steering Group