Mebyon Kernow comment on "Devolution Deal"

Mebyon Kernow has released the following press statement, following the Government's official announcement about the "Devolution Deal."

Mebyon Kernow repeats demand for far-reaching devolution for Cornwall

Following the official announcement of the “Cornwall Devolution Deal” by central government, Mebyon Kernow has declared that the “Deal” does not go far enough and re-iterated its call for a National Assembly for Cornwall.

The leader of Mebyon Kernow Cllr Dick Cole stated:

“Mebyon Kernow is campaigning for a truly ambitious democratic settlement for Cornwall, which should include a Cornish Assembly.

“Obviously, it is to be welcomed that central government has recognised the long-standing demands from Cornwall for devolution and has agreed a ‘Devolution Deal.’ But we are disappointed at the extent of what has been proposed – it could be so much more ambitious.

“The Government claims that it seeks to end the ‘hoarding of power in Whitehall’ and describes the Cornwall ‘Deal’ as ‘historic.’ The reality is that it pales in comparison to what devolution means in Scotland and Wales.”

The central government press release states that the “Deal” will:

- Give Cornwall Council powers for franchising and improving bus services in the area – the first rural unitary authority to gain this power;
- Give the Local Enterprise Partnership more say on boosting local skills levels;
- Give the council powers to select the projects, working with partners, it wants to see benefiting from millions of pounds of inward investment funding;
- Make it easier for the Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Local Enterprise Partnership to integrate national and local business support services to help local firms grow;
- Enable Cornwall Council and the Council of the Isles of Scilly to work with local health organisations on a plan for integrating health and social care services.

Cllr Cole added:

“MK members are particularly worried at the growing influence of unelected and unaccountable entities – such as the Local enterprise Partnership – which have limited democratic legitimacy but nonetheless dominate the ‘Deal.’

“The ‘Deal’ could and should be so much ambitious for Cornwall, but the Government claims it will consider ‘proposals put forward on devolving more powers in the future.’

“We need to take the Government at its word on this. We need to build on the ‘Deal’ and to construct a powerful public campaign for a powerful Cornish Assembly with full democratic control over the whole of the public sector in Cornwall.”