The Cornish language, Kernewek, will be recognised alongside Welsh, Irish Gaelic, and Scots Gaelic after the government recommended it for the highest level of protection under European treaty.
The announcement comes after years of work by Cornwall Council, community groups, and cultural organisations dedicated to protecting Kernewek. It officially recognises the importance of Cornish as a living language and a core part of Cornwall’s cultural identity.
“Kernewek is a fundamental part of Cornwall’s unique identity,” said Sarah Preece, portfolio holder for tourism, localism, and planning. “We welcome this announcement as a huge step forward, giving the language the recognition and protection it deserves for future generations.”
Dick Cole, chair of the Fifth Nation Working Group, said: “It is really positive news that the government has confirmed that Cornish will be covered by Part III of the Charter for Regional or Minority Languages.
“It means that Cornish will have the same status as the other Celtic languages of the United Kingdom — Welsh, Scottish Gaelic and Irish — and I would like to pay tribute to everyone who has campaigned for these greater protections for the Cornish.
“The priority must now be for the government to work with the people of Cornwall to better support and promote our national language. And we must build on this status to ensure that Cornish nationhood is better reflected in all aspects of the governance of the UK, which needs to include a meaningful devolution settlement.”
