COUNCILLORS from across the political divide have united at Cornwall Council to call for a Cornwall-only devolution deal rather than a cross-border agreement with neighbouring authorities.
The motion, submitted for debate by Cllr Dick Cole, confirmed the position of the council set out in a joint letter from group leaders and Cornwall’s MPs sent to the Deputy Prime Minister in September.
However, the government’s English devolution white paper, published in December, sets out their preference for deals involving combined authorities with a population of more than 1.5-million people, effectively ruling out a Cornwall-only deal unless an exception could be made.
Speaking after the meeting, Cllr Linda Taylor, leader of Cornwall Council, said: “Although there were some disagreements over wording, it is clear that the whole chamber supports securing a Cornwall-only deal for the benefit of our residents.
“Our MPs are also vocal in their support of this position, and the ball is firmly in their court to keep fighting in Westminster to secure us a deal.
“It was good to hear one of them, Andrew George, speaking so positively in the debate. We need a deal to be sorted as quickly as possible to ensure Cornwall does not get left behind.”
The motion firmly rejects the idea of any cross-Tamar “combined authority” arrangements, instead emphasising the need for a standalone devolution deal that respects and honours Cornwall’s cultural, geographic, and economic distinctiveness.
It also calls on the UK Government to deliver a meaningful devolution settlement that reflects Cornwall’s national minority status.
Hailing the decision as a significant step forward in securing a brighter future for Cornwall, Ben Maguire, Liberal Democrat MP for North Cornwall, said: “This is a landmark decision for Cornwall. Westminster has ignored Cornwall’s needs for too long, and this is our chance to fight for fair funding and unlock Cornwall’s vast potential.
“Devolution on a Cornwall-only footprint is the only option that truly respects our unique history, culture, and national minority status. The alternative of being subsumed into a ‘Devonwall’, or wider South West region, would be a short-sighted risk that would replace Westminster with Plymouth and undermine Cornwall’s autonomy for generations to come.”
Noah Law, MP for St Austell and Newquay, spoke in strong support of the motion, stating: “Cornwall Council overwhelmingly supported a cross-party motion rejecting any proposals for cross-border combined authority deals.
“Cornwall’s unique identity – cultural, economic, and geographic – must be respected. A merger with Devon risks creating a sprawling, disconnected authority that fails to reflect Cornwall’s distinct needs. Instead of empowering local communities and businesses, it could dilute our voice and blunt our ability to seize the unique opportunities before us.
“It is important to address misconceptions around the Government’s approach to devolution. This Labour Government has been clear that it will not impose any devolution deal on Cornwall without the support of local people and leaders. Any deal must reflect local priorities and ambitions to ensure it delivers for our communities.
“Devolution is a complex process, and Strategic Authority deals across England are expected to take some time to come to fruition. In fact, most new authorities will not achieve fully established status much before 2028. Cornwall must focus on securing a deal that works for its people and future, rather than rushing into an arrangement that compromises our autonomy."
Highlighting his commitment to securing the best outcome for Cornwall, Mr Law concluded: “I fully support today’s motion, which demonstrates the strength of feeling across the political spectrum in Cornwall.
“We must work together, one and all, to secure the best deal possible for Cornwall. I will continue to press the UK Government to ensure that any devolution settlement for Cornwall strengthens local decision-making, protects our autonomy, and empowers our communities and businesses to thrive.”
Other MPs in Cornwall have also signalled their support, although Anna Gelderd, the MP for South East Cornwall dissented.
She said: “A combined authority deal with Devon could unlock funding and powers that Cornwall might not achieve alone, which would be crucial for addressing key issues such as the Tamar Tolls, A38 safety upgrades and better cross-border healthcare,” she added. “However, this approach must respect Cornwall’s distinct identity and ensure resources are distributed fairly. Establishing safeguards from the outset is essential to protect our cultural heritage and ensure Cornwall doesn’t lose its voice.”