A COUNCILLOR has expressed concern over a proposal that Cornwall should be recognised as the fifth nation of the United Kingdom.

Newquay Porth and Tretherras Cornwall councillor Kevin Towill voted against the unitary authority’s motion calling on the Government to formally recognise the Duchy alongside England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

The Reform UK representative believes the proposal should not proceed without first engaging with the people of Cornwall. He also argues the plan represents a fundamental shift in how Cornwall relates to the rest of the UK.

The motion, brought forward by St Dennis and St Enoder Cornwall councillor Dick Cole, was supported at the full council meeting held on Tuesday, July 23. It followed an impassioned speech by council leader Cllr Leigh Frost, who set out the case for recognition in his “State of Cornwall in the National Context” address.

Cllr Towill said: “I wish to express concern regarding the recent motion passed by full council proposing that Cornwall be recognised as the fifth nation of the United Kingdom.

“While I acknowledge the cultural and historical significance of Cornwall’s identity, and the passion with which this motion was supported across party lines, I believe such a major constitutional proposal should not proceed without first engaging with the people of Cornwall.

“This motion represents a fundamental shift in how Cornwall relates to the rest of the UK.

“It is not merely symbolic. It carries implications for governance, representation, and our place within the Union.

“As such, it is imperative that our residents are given the opportunity to express their views through a formal consultation process. “I therefore call on Cornwall Council to launch a comprehensive public consultation to gauge resident sentiment on this proposal.

“Ensure that any future steps taken in pursuit of national recognition are informed by the will of the people.

“Provide clear, accessible information about what recognition as a fifth nation would mean in practical terms. We must ensure that our actions reflect not only political ambition but democratic legitimacy.

“Let us move forward with transparency, unity, and respect for the voices of those we serve.

“This motion received support from across the political spectrum at County Hall including the Liberal Democrats, most Independent members, the Greens, Mebyon Kernow, Labour, and the Conservative and Unionist Party. “The Reform Party voted against the motion due to the absence of public engagement and the division it may cause within Cornwall.”

Cllr Frost told councillors: “A nation isn’t just a border or a flag. It’s a people. It’s a voice. It’s shared history and a shared purpose. Cornwall has all of that and more.”

“This is not a slogan or a branding exercise. It is a statement of fact and a declaration of intent. We’re ready to take our place. We’re ready to be heard. And we’re ready to shape our future on our own terms.”

The motion follows the publication of “The Cornwall We Know” (State of Cornwall 2025), a report setting out both the challenges Cornwall faces and its potential to lead in areas such as clean energy, critical minerals, and innovation.

Cllr Frost warned that decisions affecting Cornwall are too often made in Westminster without Cornish voices at the table, and that recent changes to national funding risk leaving Cornwall behind unless its status is recognised and strengthened.

“We don’t just need support from the Government - we deserve investment, partnership, and respect,” he said. “This is about ensuring Cornwall’s future is not decided solely in Whitehall or Westminster, but here, by us, for us.”

Cornwall Council will now write to the Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and Deputy Prime Minister, Angela Rayner, and begin cross-party engagement with MPs to build support for Cornwall’s recognition.