More than 12,000 back Cornwall as fifth nation

Political parties have responded with enthusiasm and caution to the devolution call

A petition calling for Cornwall to be recognised as the UK's fifth nation now has more than 12,000 signatures.

The petition, started following a vote in favour by Cornwall Council on 23 July, urges the government to grant the duchy, which has a population of about 580,000 people, "equal status to Wales and Scotland".

Topping 10,000 signatures means it will get a response from the government and, if it reaches 100,000 signatures by 11 September, the issue could be debated in Parliament.

Council leader, Liberal Democrat Leigh Frost, said the move reflected a desire for "fairer funding, better representation and the ability to shape our own future".

MP Ben McGuire, Lib Dem MP for North Cornwall, said he was "really pleased to see such widespread support" for nation status.

"I don't see why not. I'm extremely ambitious for Cornwall, and I think if we have nation status, it could be a real game-changer for our duchy," he told BBC Radio Cornwall.

"It could give Cornwall real clout in discussions with this government and any future government."

Councillor Rowland O'Connor, deputy leader of the Reform group, the largest single party group on Cornwall Council, stressed that while Reform respected Cornish identity, it did not support the push for devolution.

"We are all Cornish and proud of it, but we do not agree with the direction of travel towards a devolution agreement," he said.

"There is a symbiotic relationship between Cornwall and the rest of the UK. Taking it to full devolution is a step too far, especially without overwhelming public consent."

Anna Gelderd, Labour MP for South East Cornwall, also expressed caution, emphasising the importance of listening to constituents.

"Devolution is not something that comes through my inbox all that often," she said.

"I'm hugely supportive of Cornish minority status, but what I want is for the people of South East Cornwall to be better provided for, with easier access to public services and a strong economy.

"That often means working with our neighbours across the UK.

"The identity and culture of being Cornish is part of who we are, that exists irrespective of the political situation."