Labour MP Perran Moon has sparked debate after stating in the House of Commons that he is 'Cornish, not English' and urging Cornish people to be 'loud and proud' of their identity. Speaking during the second reading of the English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill, Moon, the MP for Camborne and Redruth, revealed he had been mocked for describing himself as Cornish.
Moon told MPs: 'I’m often asked, even by colleagues in this place, as a Cornishman, do I consider myself English? Along with hundreds of thousands of Cornish men and women, I’m often sadly mocked for my reply. So let me be absolutely clear today, I am Cornish, not English.' He added, 'Although I freely admit that some of my very best friends are English.'
The Labour MP called on the government to ensure that its devolution plans respect Cornwall's national minority status. He said: 'During the course of this Bill, I will work with the government to ensure that this Bill is passed that respects Cornish national minority status and delivers an historic devolution arrangement that fulfils our manifesto commitment.'
Moon emphasised the need for economic development support to unleash what he called the 'Cornish Celtic tiger' and to address the region's housing crisis. He described the devolution opportunity as a 'once-in-a-generation opportunity' and urged ministers to grasp it, noting a 'centuries-old desire for increased autonomy and self-governance' in Cornwall.
