A BUDE councillor is urging residents to support a motion which would see Cornwall become the fifth nation in the United Kingdom.

Cornwall Council has recently backed a motion calling on the government to formally 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 a recent Full Council meeting and followed an impassioned speech by Council Leader Councillor Leigh Frost, who set out the case for recognition in his “State of Cornwall in the National Context” address.

Cllr Frost told councillors: “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. Cornwall has all of that and more.”

Now, Cornwall Councillor for Bude, Peter La Broy is encouraging residents to give this motion their support.

He said: “Some of you may be aware that the government is requiring local councils to become unitary authorities, which is a journey we went through over ten years ago. Furthermore, the new unitary councils are being required to join together in Combined Authorities with an all powerful mayoral leader. I am convinced that any such move wouldn't be in Cornwall's interest, as our neighbouring county Devon, would inevitably provide the mayor, consequently causing a conflict of interest that would leave Cornwall as the poorer 'junior' authority.

“For this reason and many others, I celebrate our leaders move to have Cornwall recognised as the Fifth Celtic Nation that we undoubtedly are. It is the only way that Cornwall will be recognised and valued by government.”

Cllr La Broy has also called for residents to sign a petition which would also express their support for the motion. The petition currently has over 10,000 signatures and can be found via: petition.parliament.uk/petitions/711355