Cornwall Council has today (July 22) backed a motion calling on the Government to formally recognise Cornwall as the fifth nation of the United Kingdom, alongside England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
The motion, brought forward by Councillor Dick Cole, was supported at today’s Full Council meeting and followed an impassioned speech by Council Leader Councillor Leigh Frost, who set out the case for recognition in his “State of Cornwall in the National Context” address.
Cllr Frost told councillors: “A nation isn’t just a border or a flag. It’s a people. It’s a voice. It’s shared history and a shared purpose. Cornwall has all of that and more.”
“This is not a slogan or a branding exercise. It is a statement of fact and a declaration of intent. We’re ready to take our place. We’re ready to be heard. And we’re ready to shape our future on our own terms.”
The motion follows the publication of “The Cornwall We Know” (State of Cornwall 2025), a report setting out both the challenges Cornwall faces and its potential to lead in areas such as clean energy, critical minerals, and innovation.
Cllr Frost warned that decisions affecting Cornwall are too often made in Westminster without Cornish voices at the table, and that recent changes to national funding risk leaving Cornwall behind unless its status is recognised and strengthened.
“We don’t just need support from the Government - we deserve investment, partnership, and respect,” he said. “This is about ensuring Cornwall’s future is not decided solely in Whitehall or Westminster, but here, by us, for us.”
Introducing the motion, Councillor Cole said Cornwall Council had a duty to stand up for Cornwall.
“Standing up for Cornwall is what this bill is all about” he said. “The leader of the council has made it clear that he is committed to securing meaningful devolution, whilst also protecting the integrity of our Celtic nation as a political unit. I believe he is right in doing this.
“We have a thousand years of history and a myriad of reasons – cultural, economic, environmental, linguistic, social – as to why we need to stand together and maintain our unity in pushing for that meaningful and bespoke settlement for Cornwall.”
The motion was passed with 53 votes in favour, 22 against and two abstentions.
The Council will now write to the Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and Deputy Prime Minister, Angela Rayner, and begin cross-party engagement with MPs to build support for Cornwall’s recognition.
Published on July 22, 2025