Truro demonstration calls for devolved parliament

A demonstration was held at the Lemon Quay in Truro on Saturday

About 100 people gathered in a Cornish town calling on the UK Government to give Cornwall a devolved parliament as the English Devolution Bill moves through Westminster.

The event, at the Lemon Quay in Truro, comes after Cornwall Council called on the government to officially recognise the county as the fifth nation of the UK.

A spokesperson for the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government said it was "giving power back to the communities" by creating empowered strategic authorities.

"Our priority is to make sure Cornwall benefits from this form of devolution," they added.

People who attended the event said they believed self rule would make Cornwall a "better place"

The event was organised by Kernow Rydh, Cornwall Resists, Palestine Solidarity Kernow, AUOB Kernow, Bakers Food and Allied Workers Union, The Communist Party Cornwall Branch and Unite Community Cornwall.

They wanted to send a message that Cornwall did not have to be "England's holiday park", the Local Democracy Reporting Service said.

Mebyon Kernow Councillor Sam Carmichael said if there was a devolved parliament, they would have control over areas such as raising tax on second homes

Mebyon Kernow Councillor Sam Carmichael said of having devolved powers: "We would be able to control things like planning, raising tax on second home like the Welsh have done in order to combat this issue and actually have affordable housing down here which would be nice."

People attending the event said if Cornwall could self-rule, it would be a "better place".

One person said: "We want to raise the profile and make sure we get the recognition that Cornwall and the people deserve."