It has its own flag, language (Kernowek) and unique culture – but it looks as though residents of Cornwall will once again miss out on being able to declare their identity at the next census.
The leader of Mebyon Kernow has condemned the publication of a Government White Paper about the 2021 census, which states it does not support the inclusion of a 'Cornish' nationality tickbox.
Cllr Dick Cole has described the announcement as “illogical, prejudicial, disrespectful and just plain wrong.” He has also called on campaigners to continue to push for a Cornish tickbox and to pressure the UK Government to reverse its present position.
Mr Cole said: “The Cornish are recognised as a national minority through the Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities, just the same as the Irish, Scots and Welsh.
“It is scandalous that the UK Government and Office of National Statistics consider it acceptable that the Cornish will be the only UK national minority to be denied a tickbox on the 2021 census.
“This is discriminatory. It is also illogical, prejudicial, disrespectful and just plain wrong.”
However, he vowed to continue the fight.
“We must not give up. We must redouble our efforts to push for a Cornish tickbox and to pressure the UK Government to do the right thing and to meet its obligations through the Framework Convention,” added Mr Cole.
