Cornwall Demands Nation Status in Historic Council Vote
Councillors back motion calling on Government to recognise Cornwall as the UK’s fifth nation
Cornwall Council has voted in favour of a landmark motion urging the UK Government to officially recognise Cornwall as the fifth nation of the United Kingdom, alongside England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
The motion, brought forward by Councillor Dick Cole, was supported at the Full Council meeting on Monday 22 July following a powerful address by Council Leader Leigh Frost, who delivered a passionate “State of Cornwall in the National Context” speech.
“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,” said Cllr Frost. “Cornwall has all of that and more.”
He added: “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.”
The vote follows the release of the report "The Cornwall We Know (State of Cornwall 2025)", which outlines the unique challenges the region faces and highlights its potential in fields such as clean energy, critical minerals, and innovation.
Cllr Frost warned that decisions impacting Cornwall are still being made in Westminster without sufficient local input and that recent changes to national funding risk leaving Cornwall behind.
“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.”
Following the vote, the Council will now write to Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner and begin cross-party talks with MPs to build political momentum for formal recognition.
If successful, it would mark a significant shift in the constitutional makeup of the UK, with Cornwall claiming its place as the fifth home nation.