Cornwall Council Passes Motion Calling for Recognition as UK’s Fifth Nation

Cornwall Council votes for official recognition as a nation

Cornwall Council has today, 22nd July, passed a motion calling on the UK Government to formally recognise Cornwall as the fifth nation of the United Kingdom, joining England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

The motion, brought forward by Councillor Dick Cole, was backed at the Full Council meeting following a strongly worded speech from Council Leader Councillor Leigh Frost.

“We’re ready to be heard”

In his address, titled “State of Cornwall in the National Context”, Leigh set out the case for national recognition.

“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,” he told councillors.

“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.”

Backed by new report on Cornwall’s future

The vote follows the recent publication of “The Cornwall We Know” (State of Cornwall 2025), a report highlighting both the challenges Cornwall faces and its potential for leadership in areas such as clean energy, critical minerals, and innovation.

Leigh warned that decisions affecting Cornwall are still too often made in Westminster without local input, adding that changes to national funding risk leaving Cornwall behind unless its status is formally recognised.

“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.”

Next steps

Cornwall Council will now write to Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner. A cross-party effort will also begin to build support for the recognition of Cornwall as a nation across Westminster.