Cornwall needs an Assembly with the same powers as those being granted to Scotland and Wales not local government reform with its implicit greater integration with England Ruth Kelly MP, Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government and Minister for Women, has been told by the General Secretary of the Celtic League.
"Dear Minister
Cornwall Unitary Authority
I am writing to express the concern of our members about the proposal by the County Council for Cornwall to become an English unitary authority.
In 2001, a 50 000 petition was presented to the Prime Minister at 10 Downing Street calling for a Cornish Assembly and was signed by over 10% of the Cornish electorate. We believe that devolved status to Cornwall through the creation of an Assembly is the only current feasible and workable democratic option for the people of Cornwall.
Further, four out of six District Councils have opposed plans for Cornwall to become a unitary authority. An independent study has been commissioned, which shows unitary authority status would not only be expensive to the Cornish tax payer, but would limit and reduce the power and influence of local communities, as more decisions will be taken by a small group of Councillors in the County Council in Truro.
To reiterate, Cornwall does not need local Government reform, but meaningful devolution and a Cornish Assembly with powers at least equivalent to the Welsh Assembly Government is what has and is still being sought.
I look forward to hearing your views on this matter.
Yours sincerely
Rhisiart Tal-e-bot Gerneral Secretary"
See also Celtic News:
No. 1980 NEW CALL FOR CORNISH ASSEMBLY NOW! Aug 9, 2006 No. 1963 CORNISH ASSEMBLY PETITION Jun 1, 2006 No. 1574 MK DEMAND GREATER AUTONOMY IN LOCAL GOVERNMENT Dec 4, 2004
No. 2237 CORNWALL: ASSEMBLY CAMPAIGN GATHERS MOMENTUM June 10, 2007
Celtic League J B Moffatt Director of Information Celtic League
10/06/07
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