Statement by Cornwall Branch of the Celtic League - Devolution for Cornwall

This statement published by the Cornwall Branch of the Celtic League:

The Case for Cornwall – Statement by the Cornwall Branch of the Celtic League,21st December, 2014

“On 4th December, 2014, the leader of Cornwall Council, Councillor John Pollard, formally launched the first draft of a ‘Case for Cornwall’ document which calls for increased powers to be devolved from the Westminster Government to Cornwall.

The Cornwall Branch of the Celtic League – An Kesunyans Keltek Scoren Gernewek – has been included in the list of stakeholders.

The Branch is a National Branch of the Celtic League, a Non Governmental Organisation which holds roster consultative status at the United Nations.

Our organisation supports the call for the devolution of full legislative powers and democratic accountability to the lowest possible level.

We do not believe that direct, over centralised governance from a distant and uncaring Westminster Parliament is the best way forward for Cornwall. We believe Cornwall should be empowered to make its own decisions and representations.

In his media release which accompanies the draft document, Councillor Pollard said, “Seeking more powers for Cornwall is not new – we have been striving for more autonomy for years” and “This has provided us with experience, expertise and confidence and we want to continue that journey. We know that we can deliver and we now want to seek the ability to act as the people of Cornwall wish, not as Westminster will allow.” Continuing, he said “Cornwall has a clear border, the Cornish have minority status, we have one heritage and we are one council. These are the special attributes that devolution can and should capitalise upon.”

We broadly support that statement.

Our organisation further supports the creation of a legislative Cornish Assembly in replacement of a Unitary Authority and a reformed and empowered District, Town and Parish Council structure.

This is now the demand of many political parties, organisations and individuals in Cornwall.

A very important lesson to be learned from Scotland is that political parties, organisations, campaigners and individuals must come together to achieve anything resembling an objective.

This requires petty politicking and egos to be left firmly to one side in the name of a cause which is above politics itself. Discussion and consensus is the key.

Accordingly, the Cornwall Branch of the Celtic League calls on all political parties and activists, Cornwall Council, Councillors and campaigning organisations, bodies, groups, societies and individuals who truly believe we need a better Cornwall, to work together in a spirit of open co-operation for the good of one and all and with the aim of better and more democratic governance and service provision in Cornwall.

As we have maintained down the years, democratically the island of Britain lags behind most modern countries and now is the beginning of a time of change. Powerful Parliaments, City and Regional Assemblies will be part of that process of modernisation of governance structures.

An outward looking and inclusive Cornwall needs to embrace change and modernisation. The people of Cornwall are capable of doing better.”

kernow@celticleague.net

Cornwall Council ‘Case for Cornwall’ launch: http://www.cornwall.gov.uk/council-and-democracy/council-news-room/media...

J B Moffatt (Mr)
Director of Information

20/12/14

(Please note that replies to correspondence received by the League and posted on CL News are usually scanned hard copies. Obviously every effort is made to ensure the scanning process is accurate but sometimes errors do occur.)

ISSUED BY THE CELTIC LEAGUE INFORMATION SERVICE.

The Celtic League has branches in the six Celtic Countries. It works to promote cooperation between these countries and campaigns on a broad range of political, cultural and environmental matters. It highlights human rights abuse, monitors all military activity and focuses on socio-economic issues

Internet site at:

http://celticleague.net

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