With the up and coming ‘make or break’ elections to the new Unitary Authority followed by town, parish and general elections Mebyon Kernow more than ever needs a policy for obtaining Cornish autonomy.

When the Unitary Authority is imposed all of MKs hard won district councilors will be abolished and everybody will be facing election to the new council. The new authority will need a strong MK team to speak for the Cornish nation and this can only come about with our total support. Following this MK faces the likelihood of town, parish and general election by 2010. Disillusionment is growing with both New Labour and the dishonest Liberal Democrats so MK needs a strong team and all our support -time, money, ideas- in order to face this grave challenge and opportunity.

Previous to the imposed unitary authority MKs proposition for devolution and answer to Cornwall’s democratic deficit was three fold:

1) Powers devolved from central government and quangos to an elected Cornish Assembly with powers akin to the Scottish Parliament.

2) The vast bulk of local government powers and functions of the erstwhile county council devolved down to the district councils or amalgamation of districts.

3) Where possible powers devolved to parish and town councils.

So what to campaign for now that the district and county council have been sunk and the schema above outdated?

MK has created a working group called ‘Home Rule’ whose purpose is to address this question. They are looking for all ideas and comments on a future direction for campaigning for Cornish autonomy.

From my point of view organising a conference and inviting all players in the Cornish movement might be an idea if a little expensive, but who knows perhaps it would be a little step towards the elusive Cornish unity.

Additionally formal contact opened with UK wide reform groups such as Unlock Democracy would cost nothing and may provide some useful contacts and ideas.

One question must be asked though, where is the Cornish Constitutional Convention these days?

MK is asking for all comments and ideas to be sent to:

Home Rule Working Group
Mebyon Kernow
Lanhainsworth
Fraddon Hill
Fraddon
St Colombe
TR9 6PQ Kernow