With a government determined to deliver change for communities across the country, the things that make us unique across the nation must be front and centre of the conversation.
That’s why I knew it was time to ensure that Cornwall’s unique cultural heritage was firmly on the map in Westminster. While the Cornish Language and Heritage (Education and Recognition) Bill is focused on uptake of the language, it also represents more than just linguistic ability. The bill is also about promoting Cornish pride, preserving our heritage, and making sure our distinct voice is heard in parliament, many miles from the Duchy.
The Cornish Language and Heritage (Education and Recognition) Bill represents a historic step forward for Cornwall. Hansard, the official report of all parliamentary debates dating back over 200 years, contains only one other record of ‘Kernewek’ and that was 26 years ago. It’s time to bring Cornish back to the heart of UK government and ensure it remains in place for generations to come.
For too long, Cornwall and the South West have been overlooked and underfunded with public services on their knees and Cornwall becoming one of the poorest areas in the UK. With a median wage 20% below the UK average, high housing costs, and reliance on seasonal work, families in Cornwall are struggling.
But Cornwall’s strength has always been its people. From driving the first industrial revolution to ensuring food security through farming and fishing, Cornwall’s contribution to the UK is immense. Our heritage is woven into the landscape, ancient sites and rich traditions tell the story of a people who have endured. The Cornish language, with roots stretching back centuries, is a unique part of that story. It should be protected and passed on to future generations.
For decades, local efforts to promote and protect the Cornish language have been carried out by cultural organisations, local authorities, and passionate individuals who have worked tirelessly. I want to ensure that I play my part championing Cornwall in that story. In 2014, the UK government formally recognised the Cornish people under the Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities — designed to safeguard the rights of national minorities — this bill offers a practical step to honour that status. It seeks to make Cornish more visible on signs, in schools, in media, and in our local services, building a wider understanding of Cornwall’s unique heritage and safeguarding its future.
Granting Cornish National Minority Status was a much needed first step, now it’s time for Cornish to be elevated to the same level of protection as other Celtic languages and given official status in Cornwall. The bill calls for educational institutions to have the opportunity to teach Cornish if they wish, with sufficient support. This isn’t about imposing Cornish on anyone, but about making it available, just as Welsh and Gaelic are.
My mum was an early years teacher, she worked tirelessly for decades to give young children from disadvantaged backgrounds the best start in life. I understand how hard teachers work, and with an education system stretched to breaking point, I don’t want to create a new mandatory responsibility that becomes more of a chore than a celebration. So, I am working with this Labour government to ensure that reforms to our education system are fit for purpose and reflective of those it serves. In fact, I was proud to sit on the bill committee for the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education Bill to make sure that new policies are fit for purpose, and benefit those that they are created to serve.
Brilliant local initiatives to increase and celebrate the use of the Cornish language are already being carried out successfully with minimal additional workload. Using structured resources, sound files, and low-administration models we can ensure that even teachers who aren’t fluent can join the exciting opportunity to learn a new skill and broaden their understanding of Cornish culture.
Increasing the ability to speak Cornish among residents also creates opportunity. Bilingualism has been shown to enhance cognitive skills, improve problem-solving abilities, and slow down cognitive decline. This change could deliver multiple benefits for all ages and for many years to come. Cornwall is a special place, distinct, and accepting, and I don’t believe this should be turned into a debate about nationalism. It’s not a question of Cornish versus English and it’s not about enforcement; it’s about the freedom to use both, enriching our communities and lives.
This Bill looks to see Cornish culture represented, respected, and strengthened. As Gaelic contributes millions to Glasgow’s economy, the Cornish language could also support Cornwall’s economy through enhanced tourism, cultural events, and branding. But this must be done sustainably; Cornwall’s housing crisis cannot be worsened by unchecked tourism. This isn’t about selling our identity it’s about celebrating it.
The reaction to the bill has been overwhelmingly supportive, with backing from campaigners, civil society, and MPs from all parties. I was delighted to hear that a new film exploring Cornwall’s past and present is in production, featuring the Cornish language, and the bill has even drawn interest from Welsh media.
Cornwall deserves recognition and respect, our identity and culture are vital, and we cannot afford to let them fade away. The Cornish Language and Heritage (Education and Recognition) Bill is a step toward ensuring Cornwall’s unique identity is celebrated, protected, and shared.
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Source: Politics
