The Cornish people have been given minority status, affording them the same protections as other Celtic communities of Scots, Welsh and Irish.
European rules for the protection of national minorities encourage governments to take “appropriate measures” to protect minority groups from discrimination.
The Convention was not framed by our old friend, the European Union, but rather by the Council of Europe which promotes cooperation and human rights.
Having granted the special status to the Cornish, Britain must now ensure that the minority’s rights are respected by combating discrimination, promoting equality, and preserving the culture and identity of the group.
Many people in Cornwall, who had campaigned to achieve this status, welcomed the announcement, calling it a proud day for Cornwall. Three previous attempts to include the Cornish in the Convention had been unsuccessful, with the last made in 2011.
Although no additional funding or powers attach to the status, national government departments and public agencies will have to consider views from Cornwall when making decisions.
Cornwall’s population stands at 532,300. The area takes in on average only £1.1m from tourism.
