Cornish people are to be officially recognised as a minority – giving them the same status as the UK’s other Celtic groups.
It means government departments and public bodies will now be required to take their views into account when making decisions.
Cornwall Council leader John Pollard described the government’s decision to recognise the Cornish under the Framework Convention for Protection of National Minorities as ‘a surprise and great delight’.
Cornwall had previously unsuccessfully applied for the status three times.
‘National minority status will not initially bring any additional funding or powers to the council or to Cornwall,’ said Cllr Pollard. ‘We will need to work with partners to make this clear to people in Cornwall.
‘However, there are obviously significant benefits for Cornwall in being included within the framework convention which is worth celebrating and I pay tribute to all those who have worked tirelessly over many years to achieve this status.’
The convention recognises the distinctiveness of the Cornish and is expected to strengthen the Cornish ‘brand’ and establish links with similar groups around the world.
