Both the Scottish National Party (SNP) and Plaid Cymru (Party of Wales) have supported an Early Day Motion in the UK Parliament against cuts to funding for the Cornish Language. This comes after the UK Department for Communities and Local Government stated that Cornwall will no longer receive £150,000 a year to promote and support the Cornish language. That decision has been met with widespread condemnation throughout Cornwall and beyond with accusations of broken promises and the betrayal of Cornwall by UK ministers.
SNP Member of Parliament for the Scottish constituency of Na h-Eileanan an Iar and Scottish Gaelic speaker Angus MacNeil put forward the Early Day Motion demanding the Government “reverse its cuts”. The motion will now need to be resubmitted following the State Opening of Parliament – which Angus MacNeil says he intends to do. He has called on support from Members of Parliament representing Cornish constituencies adding: “I would encourage Cornish MPs to support me this time”. Cornish is protected under the European Charter for Regional and Minority languages and demands are being made for a new funding package with greater resources.
Issued by Alastair Kneale, The Celtic League
