'Devonwall' looks set to return to political agenda
The Government will press ahead with a vote on re-drawing the parliamentary map – which could create a "Devonwall" MP – despite Liberal Democrat opposition that could scupper the plans, David Cameron has said.
Lib Dem leader Nick Clegg has told his MPs not to back legislation that will slash the number of MPs from 650 to 600 in retaliation to Tory resistance to House of Lords reform. The move would have given birth to an MP straddling the Devon and Cornwall border, which is fiercely opposed by Cornish nationalists.
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But despite not having enough Conservative MPs to support the plan in Parliament, which would also make constituencies the same size, the Prime Minister has said a vote will happen in any event.
He said: "This vote is going to come before the Commons and the Lords. The work is being done. The legislation has been passed. All that remains is these last two votes.
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"And when they come forward I will urge MPs of all parties – Labour, Liberals, DUP, SDLP, Plaid Cymru – anyone that believes (to support it).
"Go and ask your constituents, I would say. Do you want a smaller House of Commons that costs less money, that all seats should be the same size, with the same number of voters in?
"If anyone can find me an argument for different numbers of voters I would be very interested to hear it."
The Boundary Commissions for England and Northern Ireland, after wide-ranging consultations, will on October 16 publish amendments to their initial scheme.
Comments
by lurker
Wednesday, October 10 2012, 4:07PM
“On a daily basis i have to do business with both Cornwall and Torridge councils.
I live in Cornwall and the thought of being under any kind of administrative control from Torridge Council is truly distressing.
The disparities in professionalism and quality of service between the two authorities are huge.
I would not buy a house in Torridge, start a business in Torridge, want my family to live in Torridge, or recommend any individual or business to do the same.
This is not a pro Cornwall anti England spat. The above comments are based on my day to day view of maladministration and mismanagement by Torridge District Council.
Cornwall council aren't angels either.
However TDC are at best treading water and at worst dangerously crippling an entire region!”
by Taxman100
Wednesday, October 10 2012, 1:39PM
“Truro_England. I agree entirely with your sentiment and I sincerely hope your aspirations will be met - the country is certainly capable of doing so. I fear however that they will not be fulfilled in Cornwall as the Nationalists seem intent on dragging us back into the Dark Ages.
English is the language of international business, trade and commerce, yet the Nationalists want our children/grandchildren to waste their valuable, and limited, time learning a dead language. I don't have a problem if the Cornish Bards wish to learn and speak 'Cornish'; but I reject outright the Nationalist's aim of teaching 'Cornish' as part of the County's general education curriculum.
We must look to the future, not to the past! To do otherwise would be an exercise in futility!”
by Taxman100
Wednesday, October 10 2012, 11:53AM
“Truro_Kernow. The only reason the EU Flag has been flown outside the Cornwall Council offices is because Cornwall has, and continues, to receive funding from the EU. However, EU rules/regulations have been modified in very recent days and the flag is no longer obliged to be be flown: so perhaps it should be removed - leaving the National Flag and that of St. Piran flying proudly over the administrative offices of our County.
If the current political rhetoric and polls are to be believed then it will not be long before we have a referendum in respect of our continued membership of that corrupt and despotic organisation. I do not know, and am not willing to speculate what the outcome of such a referendum would be; however, the President of the EU Commission, Barroso, said last week he "expected the UK to leave the EU as that is what the people of the UK wanted". (a direct translation). One assumed he meant after we had voted three or four times and had come to the 'right' decision!”
by Big_Ger
Wednesday, October 10 2012, 10:19AM
“Those of us who have lived here all our lives will still call it Cornwall County Council. Most of us beleive we live in a county too, a county of England. We're rather proud of that.
Would you deny us that?
But to get back to my point, all arms of governement, most improtantly for us, Cornwall County Council, should be trimmed right back.
60 is more than enough councillors for our county.”
by Truro_Kernow
Wednesday, October 10 2012, 9:57AM
“There is no Cornwall 'County' Council quite simply because Cornwall is not a 'County'. It is now Cornwall Council, as confirmed by the website and outside the headquarters is a sign stating 'Lys Kernow' - 'Cornwall Palace' or 'Hall' in the original language of this Country of Cornwall. Further, three flags fly - the European circle of stars, the Union flag and the National Flag of Cornwall, the Saint Piran's Cross. This is because, just as with Wales, Cornwall is next to England.”
by Big_Ger
Wednesday, October 10 2012, 9:38AM
“I think we are all in favour of less government. Take Cornwall county council for instance, 123 councillors? That could easily be halved, with no loss of service!”
by Lafrowda
Tuesday, October 09 2012, 10:24PM
“I am in favour of reducing the Parliament size and creating more equal size electorates but strongly oppose the creation of a cross Tamar constituency. Surely if compromise was ever needed it is on this issue. Do we mind having slightly larger electorates than the rest of the UK ? The demographic will swiftly change anyhow.”
by Doitdreckley
Tuesday, October 09 2012, 8:31PM
“This won't happen. The Liberal Democrats are facing the abyss and this would be a contributing factor to tipping them over in Cornwall. Reducing the number of MPs is a bit like putting a cork in the gaping hole of the Titanic as far as the deficit is concerned. Fact is that you can reduce the number of MPs without compromising the integrity of natural communities (Scotland, Wales or even the Isle of Wight). It would be impossible for an MP to represent Devonwall when Cornwall is likely to have European funding when the aggrieved Devonians will have diddly squat.”
by robertwebber1
Tuesday, October 09 2012, 7:18PM
“If and given the LD's recent record that is a big if they do vote against the boundary review it WILL NOT HAPPEN
Against
LAB, LD, DUP, SDLP, PC
For
TORY (with Rebels)
Not going to happen.”
by Taxman100
Tuesday, October 09 2012, 2:28PM
“Truro_England. I could not have put it better myself. The Nationalists don't like the truth though, and your comment will have infuriated them. In revenge they will stump up and down in their miner's boots, wear their 1980's kilts, and attempt, in vain,to play the Great Pipes. Truly a sight to behold - the Cornish 100!”