A RALLY calling for a devolved Cornish parliament took place in Truro city centre on Saturday.

Around 100 people attended the event organised by Kernow Rydh, the youth wing of the political party Mebyon Kernow, in collaboration with Cornwall Resists, Palestine Solidarity Kernow, AUOB Kernow, Bakers Food and Allied Workers Union, The Communist Party Cornwall Branch and Unite Community Cornwall.

It was timed to coincide with the English Devolution Bill moving through Westminster, as a rallying voice to demand recognition for Cornwall as a nation with its own senate - Senedh Kernow – that would have the power to cap and tax second homes, nationalise water management and protect cultural heritage.

Organiser Jowan Nute said the rally had been “splann” –—Cornish for ‘splendid’ — and a success for “a progressive new form of Cornish nationalism”. He said: “We are sending a message that Cornwall needs a democratic solution. It’s important that decisions affecting Cornwall should be made in Cornwall.”

Sarah Tresidder and Mark Tripconey travelled from Helston to campaign for “Cornish nationhood”.

Mark said: “It’s not that we’re better than England – we are different, and we just want to be respected neighbours.”

However, the gathering risked being derailed by a lone protester carrying a Union flag and an Israel flag.

Bystander Luke Hilley said: “It was all a bit surreal – someone singing Cornish sea shanties, then behind them, this guy with walking around and being pretty provocative. It tarnished what was a peaceful, legitimate gathering of likeminded people.”

Those gathered strove to continue in the spirit of the event, with speeches and group discussions. Matt Blewett sang South Australia and the Cadgwith Anthem, in the Cornish language.

“I wanted to make sure the rally was about Cornwall not confrontation,” he said. “The Cornish motto is ‘onen hag all’, one and all. Cornwall is where you can be who you want to be.”