Cornwall’s involvement in the British-Irish Council will be strengthened as a result of the signing of an agreement between the Council and the Government.
The agreement, in the form of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), originated from the Level 2 Cornwall Devolution Deal agreed with Government in November 2023 which has already delivered £500k investment in Cornish cultural and language projects across communities.
As a result of the agreement, the Leader of Cornwall Council will be formally invited by the Government to attend ministerial meetings as an advisor to the UK Government’s Minister on the Cornish language at the British-Irish Council’s Indigenous, Minority and Lesser-Used Languages work sector.
The MoU, announced on St Piran’s Day, has been signed by Councillor Linda Taylor, Leader of Cornwall Council, and Jim McMahon OBE MP, Minister of State for Local Government and English Devolution.
This is just one of a series of agreements that are designed to strengthen Cornwall’s relationship with fellow Celtic nations and regions, and ensure the Cornish language and culture thrives.
Speaking today, Cllr Taylor said: “The formal involvement of the Leader of Cornwall Council is a step in the right direction for the Cornish language and builds on the other partnerships we are forging across the United Kingdom and beyond.”
“I was delighted to meet with the First Minster of Wales last month to renew our mutual commitment to the Cornwall-Wales Collaboration Agreement signed in 2023, which was a timely conversation given the Welsh Government lead the British-Irish Council’s Indigenous, Minority and Lesser-Used Languages work sector.”
“This is a real step forward for Kernewek and shows our commitment to working with fellow Celtic nations and regions for the benefit of Cornwall.”
Minister of State for Local Government and English Devolution Jim McMahon OBE MP said “This agreement deepens the relationship between the UK Government and Cornwall Council, cementing Cornwall’s role in the work of the British-Irish Council (BIC).
“Cornwall has a unique, rich culture and history and that’s why we’re inviting the Leader of Cornwall Council to attend BIC meetings on Indigenous and Minority Languages, advising the UK Government on Kernewek.
“I’m also pleased the devolution deal has invested in Cornish culture and language projects to support the region.”
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