Kernow/Cornwall: Cornish move for BIIPB status

This weekend talks at the British-Irish Inter-Parliamentary Body (BIIPB) (Comhlacht Idir-Pharlaiminteach na Breataine agus na hÉireann) will turn to Cornwall in an effort by the Welsh nationalist party, Plaid Cymru, to have its fellow Celtic nation included as a member.

Elfyn Llwyd, leader of Plaid, said that he would raise the matter of Cornwall's inclusion on the Assembly among its other members, which currently include representatives from the Oireachtas (Irish Parliament), Scottish Parliament, the Welsh Assembly, Northern Ireland Assembly, the High Court of Tynwald on the Isle of Man, UK Parliament and the States of Guernsey and Jersey.

BIIPB's discusses various sovereign issues related to the territories of the Republic of Ireland and Britain and holds two plenary sessions a year. Mr Llwyd said that even though this weekend, discussion at the Assembly will be centered on the killings in the north of Ireland, he will nevertheless bring up the inclusion of Cornwall. Mr Llwyd said that he had a «great affinity with the Celtic parts of the British Isles» and knew that Cornwall had a «very, very strong identity,» and that this would be «helpful for its ongoing development.»

Although the new Cornwall (unitary) Council (due to be elected on June 4th 2009) may wish to enhance its status by joining BIIPB, this is not a move that the League would condone. It is not British Irish political bodies that the League seeks, but inter-Celtic ones. Without the inclusion of Breton political representatives in the Assembly and with the active participation of political representatives from non Celtic peoples, BIIPB cannot be seen in any way to be an organisation that furthers the «establishment of organised relations between the Celtic nations, based on their recognition as distinct nations», as set out in the League's constitution.

J B Moffatt Director of Information Celtic League

01/04/09