Following the fantastic news that the Government has confirmed the Cornish will be recognised as a national minority through the Council of Europe’s Framework Convention for the Protection for National Minorities (FCNM), talk is already turning to the “devolution” to Cornwall. Danny Alexander, the Liberal Democrat Chief Secretary to the Treasury – who announced national minority status on the 24th April – has also confirmed that the Government would “take seriously” any bid from Cornwall to control the next tranche of European funding which will be worth more than £500 million.

In recent weeks, I have done a lot of interviews for television, radio and also some local projects. A couple of these can now be seen on-line.

Following on from the Cornish recognition in the Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities (FCNM) the Cornish school curriculum must be changed, perhaps to the extent of a Cornish National Curriculum. Now I don't mean science should be the prism of Cornish scientists and lessons revolving around Davy, Trevithick and Couch Adams, or literature be dominated by Du Maurier, Quiller-Couch and Golding. But nevertheless Cornish inclusion in the Framework binds education authorities to change things and these changes are significant.

"The three London based parties do not appear to consider Cornwall’s unique status in the UK, but with Mebyon Kernow, there is hope. That’s why I became a member."

At Cornwall Council the last few weeks have been a time for decision making and statesman-like behaviour. The draft Cornwall Local Plan to 2030 has been approved for consultation. Decisions on the Budget and Council tax are due this week. Unfortunately strategic decision-making are suffering because of forthcoming elections in May.

The other week Cornwall Council held a special meeting to discuss the proposed local scheme for Council Tax support. The proposal was accepted to reduce Council Tax benefit to some of the poorest and most vulnerable members of our society this is driven by changes in funding imposed by the Conservative and Liberal Democrat coalition in Westminster.

The vote of no confidence reflected the frustration of council members at the lack of regard that the cabinet had for their views and the arrogance with which those views were dismissed on a regular basis - from ignoring a vote of the full council to disregarding the work of advisory panels.

My column in the last edition of the Cornish Guardian focused on the impact of second homes on Cornwall and its communities. It was as follows: