Devolution of powers as the UK government is preparing to grant to Cornwall will stay far bellow the aspirations of the Cornish pro-autonomy camp, which wants to see the creation of a legislative assembly for Britain's smallest Celtic nation. Not only London is not ready to devolve Cornwall similar powers to those enjoyed by Scotland and Wales, but the Cornwall Council itself is not even demanding law-making powers in its Case for Cornwall proposals.

Chancellor of the Exchequer George Osborne yesterday announced "progress on a major plan to give Cornwall a greater say over local decisions." Osborne did not elaborate, but the announcement was made in the context of a speech in which the Chancellor spoke about Cornwall within the framework of "devolution within England [which] has only just begun."

In that respect, the UK government expects to strike deals with cities and counties to devolve specific powers on areas such as health, care or transport. An agreement for devolution with Greater Manchester already exists, and Osborne yesterday mentioned talks with Sheffield, Liverpool, Leeds and West Yorkshire.

The Cornwall Council's Case for Cornwall follows a similar logic: it does not aim at creating a law-making Cornish Assembly, but at expanding Council powers and receiving increased funding.

Cornwall Council leader John Pollard yesterday welcomed Osborne's words, and said that the Case for Cornwall plan will "allow the people of Cornwall to benefit from an integrated health and social care system, significant economic growth, more affordable homes, greater access to employment and training opportunities, together with a much improved public transport network."

Pro-autonomy party disappointed

Pro-autonomy party Mebyon Kernow leader Dick Cole yesterday voiced disappointment at the fact the UK government continues to consider Cornwall to be just an English county without realising "the need for a distinct constitutional settlement for the unique nation of Cornwall." "I would imagine," Cole said, "that this is a likely indication of what might be offered to Cornwall in the coming weeks."

(Image: Cornwall Council headquarters / Photo by Andrew Le Couteur Bisson.)