Cornwall: Govt heavily criticised over its treatment of Cornish minority.
Today the publication of the 4th Advisory Committee Opinion written by the Council of Europe Advisory Committee on the Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities has officially revealed what the Cornish already knew. A few highlights here:
Recommended that central government reconsider “the decision to cut all funding for the Cornish language in view of the disproportionate impact such a measure will have on the delicate process of revitalising a minority language when access to other public financial resources is limited.”
Raised concerns that the present constitutional set-up mitigated against Cornish recognition as “Cornwall is grouped together with Devon and other counties in the Southwest region …”
Says the Devolution deal we’ve got isn’t up to much and calls for proper devolution to Cornwall
Called for a Cornish “tick-box” on the 2023 census.
Called for a “dialogue with representatives of the Cornish minority to ensure that cultural policy is developed in a way respectful” of its traditions and identity.
Recommended that the BBC Charter be revised to safeguard broadcasting in minority languages and to “introduce BBC support for the Cornish language.”
Suggested that the UK Government “consider the possibility of adopting a Cornish Language Act.”
Recommended that the authorities “engage in a dialogue with the Cornish minority … to allow for a more systematic provision of teaching in and of the Cornish language.”
Criticised the ongoing review into parliamentary constituencies at Westminster which would adversely affect the Cornish national minority – basically saying Devonwall should not happen.
Called for the creation of an “institutional presence for Cornwall” at the British and Irish Council (which presently includes the representatives from the UK and Republic of Ireland, plus the governments of Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland, Guernsey, Jersey and the Isle of Man.”
Along with:
“Take all necessary steps to ensure access to the linguistic and cultural rights to the Cornish minority, in particular by reconsidering the decision to cut all funding for the Cornish language”
It criticises the so called Devolution Deal given to Cornwall as insufficient:
“The (devolution) deal does not delegate tasks or powers in the areas of education and language revitalisation, the two most important issues to the Cornish people”, according to the Advisory Committee’s interlocutors. “In spite of its title, it is questionable if the agreement devolves any independent powers to the Cornwall Council. The Advisory Committee realises that it is a first step, but it urges the UK Government to continue the process, especially by expanding the deal to include education and language revitalisation”
The response by the Govt? Its offical response on the Opinion Report neglected any mention of the Cornish or Cornwall save for the generous £100,000 the Cornish have been given to create a new Cornish Culture Fund. The response was also given to every minority people, except the Cornish.
So does it look like this report will have any effect on the overall illegal dictatorship of Cornwall? It looks like the answer’s no.
A copy of the United Kingdom: publication of the 4th Advisory Committee Opinion can be found here-
