Slow train coming
Sooner or later our six coalition MPs are going to have to decide if the geo-political integrity of Cornwall's boundary with Devon matters more than their respective party interests as enshrined in the Parliamentary Voting Systems and Constituency Boundaries Bill.
I'm grateful to the campaign for drawing my attention to a letter sent by the Boundary Commission to Saltash Town Council. The campaign's interpretation of that letter is that the Commission will not be able to save Cornwall if the Bill succeeds in its present form:
"As a result the focus of our efforts clearly must shift towards the bill, which comes before Parliament on 6th September."
Some of our MPs will undoubtedly try to amend the Bill at the committee stage. And should they fail, will they then vote against it? The campaign is planning a meeting at County Hall, Truro, at 7pm on 31st August. Should be lively.
I'm ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ Radio Devon’s Graham Smith, blogging on news, views and some fresh insights into West Country life, particularly the way government works locally and nationally.
Comment number 1.
At 26th Aug 2010, AccurateChronometer wrote:Well, Mr Smith, if you got serious with a bit more stamina on the non-resident voter factor you might have something significant and substantial to offer over and above your apparently quite juvenile delight in some 'lively' fodder for your blog.
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Comment number 2.
At 27th Aug 2010, Andrew Jacks wrote:"....The campaign is planning a meeting at County Hall, Truro, at 7pm on 31st August. Should be lively...."
Why nobody living in Turor will be effected by these changes, the meeting should be held nearer the border
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Comment number 3.
At 28th Aug 2010, backofanenvelope wrote:If you look at the 19th century census returns you will see that along the Cornwall/Devon border entire villages were populated by people from the next county. Furthermore, border parishes often changed county for administrative reasons. Surely it is worthwhile accepting a single "Devonwall" constituency when the reward is the destruction of dozens of Labour party fiefdoms?
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Comment number 4.
At 31st Aug 2010, Andrew Jacks wrote:Ironic tale for you, Mr Hart has just refused my one thousand pound donation for Campaign Kernow, after reading my comment above, just received a rather rude email from him.
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Comment number 5.
At 31st Aug 2010, Tynegod wrote:Not a thing Mr Hart can really afford to do, Andrew Jacks.
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Comment number 6.
At 31st Aug 2010, Tynegod wrote:Current total pledged: £12,075
This, since the launch in January, with 4 months to go and nearly £38,000 to pledge, and Mr Hart "spits his dummy out" and refuses £1,000?
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Comment number 7.
At 6th Sep 2010, Andrew Jacks wrote:Slimslad the money is safe; to be honest it is my parents. At one time we did think of hiring the expert and doing this ourselves but I managed to talk my parents around and this was the compromise we came up with. They are hard core Cornish, whereas I am realist
I fully understand why Graham is so nervous, a few would enjoy teasing him, I am not as extreme as Graham but that does not mean common ground can not be found, which it now has
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Comment number 8.
At 6th Sep 2010, Tynegod wrote:Please forgive me for "using your name in vain" I am glad everything has been resolved.
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