Labour MP Perran Moon has strongly criticised his own party's proposed devolution bill, warning that it could force an 'unholy alliance' between Cornwall and Devon. Mr Moon, who represents Camborne and Redruth, argued that any plan for a mayoral strategic authority spanning both regions constitutes 'blatant discrimination' and disregards Cornwall's national minority status.
He cautioned that such a move would severely damage trust between Cornwall and Westminster for generations, potentially fuelling Cornish nationalism. Mr Moon also questioned the willingness of Devonian taxpayers to fund Cornish language lessons and road signs under the suggested arrangements.
Speaking in Parliament, Mr Moon said: 'Because of our national minority status, Cornwall will never, Cornwall cannot ever, join a mayoral combined authority. Whether through the withdrawal of economic development funding, or the prevention of access to social housing funding. None of this will make us compromise our national minority status, because frankly it is discriminatory to do so.'
The English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill would create combined mayoral authorities to replace councils, overseeing key areas including transport, skills, employment, and housing. There are fears that areas not participating in the reorganisation will lose out on extra funding.
Mr Moon, who served on the Bill Committee, said he was upset Labour had brought forward legislation that ignores Cornwall's national minority status, awarded by the UK government in 2014. He warned that if the bill passes unamended, 'the calls for full fifth national status for Cornwall will simply grow'.
Urging ministers to reconsider, Mr Moon concluded: 'If unamended, the impact of this Bill is that Cornwall would be the only part of the United Kingdom locked out of access to the highest level of devolution, based solely on who we are. That is rank, blatant discrimination, and I cannot and I will not accept it.'
