The Grand Bard of Cornwall, Merv Davey, has joined a chorus of deep concern over the proposed Bideford, Bude and Launceston Parliamentary Constituency.

’This proposal ignores Cornwall’s history, culture, distinct constitutional status and 1,000-year-old border,’ said the Grand Bard in an open letter to Chris Skidmore MP, Minister for the Constitution, following an announcement by the Boundary Commission for England.

’Importantly, it also contradicts the Government’s official recognition in 2014 of the Cornish as a National Minority alongside Wales and Scotland.’

Urging an immediate change to the legislation which has tied the hands of the Boundary Commission, the Grand Bard has expressed deep concern that the proposal also undermines the democratic process enshrined in Cornwall Council’s Devolution Deal agreed only recently with the Government.

’I believe it would be relatively straightforward for central government to change this legislation,’ said the Grand Bard, ’and I would strongly encourage all those who love Cornwall to write to their local MP urging this simple change.’