Cornish recognised as national minority for 1st time

The government has announced that the Cornish are to be recognised as a national minority for the first time. Credit: ITV

Cornwall has been granted Minority status within the UK.

It means it now has the same status under the European Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities as the Scots, the Welsh and the Irish.

It won't mean extra funding, but the government will have to consider Cornwall in its decision making.

The move is the first time the government has recognised the distinctive culture and history of the Cornish.

Cornish coastline at Kynance Cove, near Lizard. Credit: PA

The Cornish language has already been recognised under European rules for minority languages. In March this year, the Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg announced that the Government would be investing a further £120,000 into the Cornish Language Partnership (MAGA) to promote and develop the language.

Cornwall now has the same status as the Scots, the Welsh and the Irish. Credit: PA