I stand up as a proud Cornish citizen, requesting for the recognition of Cornwall as an independent country, separate from England, but still part of the larger United Kingdom. As descendants of a distinct Celtic heritage, we Cornish have a strong identity, culture, and language different to England. We are, in effect, a nation within a nation, more similar to Wales, Ireland and Scotland than England. Recognizing Cornwall's independence will bring a sense of validity to this identity and culture we hold dear, and give us the chance to show ourself and differentiate ourselves from England on a global scale.

The European Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities, to which the UK is a party, acknowledges the distinct culture and heritage of the Cornish people. Still, for us to have true respect and recognition, more must be done. Acknowledging Cornwall as an independent entity within the UK can honor this commitment while simultaneously strengthening the bonds within the United Kingdom itself.

The improper Cornish housing and tourism industry has wrecked Cornish culture, life and livelihood. Over 20% of houses in Cornwall are second homes, and these second homes and holiday lets are owned by people outside of Cornwall, rented out during the summer to tourists, and left empty the rest of the year. This means the money made from Cornwall flows out of Cornwall, and as a result of this, house prices have shot up and neighborhoods have been transformed into holiday lets, meaning the people born in Cornwall have to leave their home and find cheaper houses elsewhere. By granting Cornwall independence and our own local government ran by local people instead of people 300 miles away without knowledge of our needs, we can impose taxes on second homes and holiday lets, give Cornish citizens priority over housing and keep the money made from Cornwall in Cornwall, as well as create sustainable tourism programs to make sure we benefit from tourism all year round instead of just in the Summer, of which I have seen first hand businesses forced to close down in the winter due to having little customers. 

Cornwall could become self sufficient through the growing demand of lithium as well as tourism, as Cornwall is sitting on vast amounts of lithium, used for the growing demand for car batteries and sustainable energy. This could return Cornwall to the global mining hub and mining culture we once were, of which the English government did next to nothing to help us when our mining industry collapsed, bringing back thousands of jobs to Cornwall, restoring our image and promoting more international investment, being sure to make the area thrive.

Our independence is not a cry for separation, but rather a plea for recognition. We believe that by facing and celebrating our diversity we can create a more united Kingdom - united not in spite of differences but because of them. In recognition of our unique Cornish status, we are appealing for true political representation and autonomy within the framework of the UK.

This move is not without precedent. The other Celtic Nations, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, whilst retaining their unique identities and governance structures, remain integral parts of the UK. Why not Cornwall? 

Our call is for the voices of the Cornish people to finally be heard. We ask that an open discussion be initiated about granting Cornwall independence from England while retaining our membership in the larger UK entity in Parliament, ending in a referendum in Cornwall for the Cornish people to vote on. 

Let us come together in supporting this crucial step towards reciprocal respect and understanding. We believe in a united Kingdom, diverse but indivisible, strong in its international reputation and domestic harmony. By recognizing Cornwall's distinct nationhood, we signal our commitment to a more inclusive, representative, and harmonious United Kingdom.

Stand with us. Help spread the Cornish Independence social media's to create more awareness, and sign the petition for Cornwall's independence within the UK.