Written question asked by Lord Jamieson (Conservative) on Monday, 14 September 2026, in the House of Lords. It was due for an answer on Monday, 28 September 2026. It was answered by Baroness Taylor of Stevenage (Labour) on Monday, 28 September 2026 on behalf of the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government.

Cornwall

Question: To ask His Majesty's Government what is the constitutional status of Cornwall within the United Kingdom, other than as a (1) unitary council, and (2) a potential strategic authority area.

Answer

The Government recognised the Cornish as a national minority under the European Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities in 2014, recognising this unique culture and heritage. This status does not prevent it from accessing devolution and Government would ensure that this status would be preserved in any future devolution arrangement.

The Government’s ambition is that every area in England has, or is in the process of establishing, a Strategic Authority by the end of 2027, with Strategic Authorities in place everywhere by the end of 2028. The Government recently wrote to all areas without a Strategic Authority seeking confirmation of their devolution ambitions, including their preferences regarding mayoral or non-mayoral devolution. Cornwall Council has set out their preference and we will be confirming next steps to areas soon.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: HL3485
Session: 2026-27
Subjects: Constitutions Cornwall
Link: View this Written question on www.parliament.uk

Cornwall

Secondary information

Librarians' tools