Council calls on government to make Cornwall ‘fifth UK nation’

The proposal passed on Monday by 53 votes to 22, with two abstentions.

However, the majority of Reform UK councillors voted against, citing concerns over possible tax increases and a loss of British identity.

The Local Democracy Reporting Service reported that Reform member Rowland O’Connor said: “I identify as Cornish but also as British.

“It feels like I’m being asked to choose one or the other and I refuse to do that.”

However, Frost called that argument “a nonsense”, adding: “I’m British and I’m very proud to be British, but I’m also proud to be Cornish.”

Frost told the BBC that Cornwall had existed longer than England and Cornish people were recognised as a national minority.

The Cornish have been officially recognised as a national minority since 2014.

Frost said the proposal would allow more decisions to be taken in the county and could lead to more tax revenue being kept there too.

The council is planning to write to the prime minister and deputy prime minister, and begin building support among MPs for Cornwall’s recognition.