In these somewhat stressful times if you have a moment maybe you could spare a thought for Kernow’s Conservative Cllrs. It must be a particularly worrying time for them. The Conservatives lost over 960 seats in the council elections so many of our poor Cornish Conservatives must have some trepidation of what the future may hold.
If the Conservatives are in despair then it would seem likely that Labour are feeling fairly euphoric. But would a Labour government or even a Labour controlled Cornish council be of any benefit to getting greater political devolution to Kernow?
The Labour party have released their snappily titled A New Britain . Renewing our Democracy and Rebuilding our Economy. In it the Labour party lay out their plans for devolving powers to councils across the UK and a must read if you enjoy that sort of thing.
Chapter 8 of this edifying document states :
Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland each has its own unique position in the UK reflecting the different history and aspirations of each.
Notice something missing?
It does not look good for Kernow when the Labour party’s devolution plan does not even mention Kernow as one of the Celtic nations.
But maybe I am being unfair as Jayne Kirkham,leader of the Labour group at Cornwall council said recently.
“ An incoming Labour government will enact real devolution for Cornwall. Cornwall will have more power to make our decisions locally. On housing, planning, skills, childcare, transport, further education, and more. We will be able to negotiate a bespoke deal for Cornwall that takes our National Minority status into account.
“We will have more control over the money invested in Cornwall’s economy and will push for a cluster of innovation to invest in and benefit from the raw materials and expertise that we have in renewable energy and other industries. We will be able to choose how we are governed. A Labour government won’t force a mayor on Cornwall like the Tories are trying to do.”
There are two points I would raise about this.
1 It is all very promising but it is just promising and the cynic would say that when in opposition it is easy to make promises but once in power are soon forgotten.
2 “A bespoke deal for Cornwall that takes our National Minority status into account” ? That just sounds very much like what the Conservatives were offering but without a mayor.
Why should the Labour party take into account our minority status? It is a fact. We are recognised as having our own culture and identity and equal standing with the Welsh,Scots and Irish. Take into account makes it sound like they are doing us a favour.
The Labour Party’s view on Kernow sounds very much like the Conservatives view and could be summed up as meet the new boss same as the old boss.
If Kernow is to get devolution it is going to need a council that is united on this and refuses to engage with any debate that falls short of this.
I wonder if it will happen?
KernowCalling 