St Austell and Newquay’s Member of Parliament Steve Double has spoken up in Parliament about the need for publicly funded broadcast media to recognise protected national minorities, such as Cornish people, as part of the new Media Bill.
The Cornish were granted protected National Minority Status in 2014 and this should be reflected in the BBC’s programming.
Steve’s contribution to the debate can be found on Hansard here
Speaking after the debate, Steve said:
“Yesterday in Parliament I was pleased to speak in support of my Cornish MP colleague George Eustice’s amendment to the Media Bill, which would put a requirement on Ofcom to ensure that due regard is paid to the Council of Europe’s framework convention for the protection of national minorities, under which Cornish people are recognised, assessing the fulfilment of the public service remit with the BBC.”
“I spoke about the need for programmes that present a picture of the true Cornwall and our history, heritage and culture, not programmes that present the idealistic, picture-postcard view of Cornwall, and that are just adverts for more second homeowners.”
“We have rich, deep and strong heritage and culture in Cornwall, which is what we want to present and protect, and it is clear that broadcast media can play an important role in helping us to do just that, and in helping the Government to give real meaning and value to the recognition of Cornish national minority status in the UK.”
“Our unique Cornish identity, heritage and culture has never been more important and I will continue to do all I can to speak up and ensure it is protected and given the status it deserves.”