The Cornish have been officially granted minority status within the UK.
Chief Secretary to the Treasury, Danny Alexander, today announced that the “proud history, unique culture, and distinctive language of Cornwall” will be fully recognised under European rules for the protection of national minorities.
The decision to recognise the unique identity of the Cornish, now affords them the same status under the European Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities as the UK’s other Celtic people, the Scots, the Welsh and the Irish.
For the first time the Government has recognised the distinctive culture and history of the Cornish.
“We will all display our Cornish provenance with that bit more pride from today”
Speaking on a visit to Bodmin, Alexander said: “Cornish people have a proud history and a distinct identity. I am delighted that we have been able to officially recognise this and afford the Cornish people the same status as other minorities in the UK.”
North Cornwall MP Dan Rogerson, warmly welcomed the news and said: “Today’s announcement means that the Cornish will finally be recognised as one of the constituent peoples of the UK alongside the Welsh, Scottish and Irish. It will also make sure that public institutions take account of Cornwall’s unique identity.
“Despite the fact that the last Labour Government said that the Cornish couldn’t be recognised in this way, Liberal Democrats in Coalition Government have made sure that the Cornish people, and our traditions, culture and heritage, now have the same status as everyone else.”
Cornwall Chamber chief executive, Kim Conchie, added: “Cornwall Chamber of Commerce is delighted with the news that Cornwall and the Cornish have been granted Protected Minority Status.
“This will give our businesses added confidence about their place in the world, will further enhance the distinctiveness of Cornwall’s food & drink and tourism sectors and give a talking point for all our SMEs conducting business around the Globe – without putting any barriers in the way of trade within or outside the UK.
“We will all display our Cornish provenance with that bit more pride from today.”
