What Cornwall’s MPs and council asked for at Number 10 North

Six MPs and the leaders of Cornwall Council walked into the same room with the same message. No Devonwall, and no more losing out.

All six of Cornwall’s MPs joined Cornwall Council leaders at Number 10 North on Monday (19 October) for a meeting with the Prime Minister’s team, pressing the case for what they called a “bespoke and fair” devolution deal for Cornwall.

Details of the meeting were shared by Liberal Democrat MPs Ben Maguire (North Cornwall) and Andrew George (St Ives), who were both in the room.

What Cornwall asked for

According to the MPs, the Cornwall delegation built its case on an outright refusal of any “Devonwall” merger with Devon.

They also argued that Cornwall cannot lose out on funding, after the loss of EU structural funds and then the Shared Prosperity Fund.

Among a range of what they described as “core asks” was the £30m Kernow Industrial Growth Fund. It is currently allocated across two years. The group pushed for it to be extended to run for the next decade.

“Heard loud and clear”

Ben Maguire said: “Cornwall’s voice was heard loud and clear at Number 10 North today. It has been a core campaign of mine that Cornwall gets a bespoke and fair devolution deal that reflects our national minority status, and this was my chance to relay my own priorities, as well as the concerns and needs of my North Cornwall constituents.

“It marked a hugely important moment for Cornwall, and it was right that all six of Cornwall’s MPs and Cornwall Council went in together, pulling in the same direction with the Council for the good of Cornwall, in the run up to the Budget.”

Ben said he raised funding for innovative, future-focused businesses, rail and bus links.

“I highlighted the need for funding for a number of innovative, future-focused businesses like Watt Electric Vehicles that are creating jobs in the sectors Cornwall can lead on, as well as our ‘Kernow Connect’ proposals to extend and electrify the rail line from Okehampton to Launceston and Bodmin,” he said.

“I also raised the case that towns with no direct bus links to hospitals shows why transport links to jobs, healthcare and skills must be a core part of the powers Cornwall receives. These are all things which, with the right devolution deal, we can focus on and unlock more funding and powers for the Duchy.”

“Lots of work to do”

Leader of Cornwall Council, Cllr Leigh Frost, said: “It was great for Team Cornwall to meet with No. 10 North today, to discuss how a devolution deal will look for us. I’m very pleased to report that lots of progress was made, but we of course still have lots of work to do. We’ll continue working hard to get the deal that’s right for Cornwall.”

Andrew George said: “Good progress was made during our meeting, and a very strong case, too. It was good teamwork by MPs, and excellent opening and closing remarks from Cornwall Council Leader Leigh Frost.

“There’s still lots of work to do, but we can be confident of securing Single Foundation Strategic Authority status, and we can expect an announcement around the time of the budget.”

He said more work was needed to secure the powers and resources to drive the economy, “significantly improve housing prospects for locals, and better integrate our health and care services”, alongside the other devolved powers being sought.

“However, we are on the road, and making progress.”