Hello Cornwall!

My name is Stephen Richardson and I have started this new blog to reflect my thoughts on Cornish politics.

I thought I would start off with a little bit of information about me.

Before we get to that though - I'd just like to say that I would like to know what issues (relating to Cornish politics) you are interested in and think are important. Leave me a comment.

I have lived in Cornwall since 2008. I believe that Cornwall is one of the historic nations of Britain and deserves its own National Parliament like Scotland and Wales. There are so many ways that we could improve the Cornish economy and social structures if we had the right levers. This would be advantageous for the people of Cornwall and the rest of the UK. 

Devolution to a national parliament is not independence nor is it just tinkering with local government - please don't confuse these three concepts. I am a republican and an atheist and enjoy conversations on these subjects - but these topics probably aren't that important within current Cornish politics - I just mention them for full disclosure. I have previously described myself as a socialist and still believe in many socialist principles - however I can't identify with the 'shouty', intolerant tolerance and moral arrogance of the current instantiation of 'the left'. I abhor the bigoted opinions and rhetoric of the far right - so I guess I would have to identify as a left leaning centrist these days.

I used to be an active member of Mebyon Kernow - The Party for Cornwall but, while I remain a life member of the party, I gave up my activism as I became disillusioned with the lack of ambition for electoral success. I would generally vote for a MK candidate where one was available as I think voting candidates for the Westminster establishment parties simply gives life to the 'politics as usual' trope. I have a wife and three adult children - all of whom I am tremendously proud of and love very much. I run and own a fish & chip shop. I enjoy wild camping, philosophy and strategy gaming. (He/him)



Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

The Case for a Cornish National Parliament

Image
If I were asked, I would have to say that my foremost political goal would be to achieve the ambition that Cornwall be governed by a Cornish National Parliament. So it might then be asked - “Why is this such a compelling idea? Is such a goal both important and reasonable?” Well it’s important because Cornwall is being mismanaged by Westminster. Cornwall is ‘habitually’ found to be in the least successful section of most economic metrics compared with the South West and other parts of the UK. Is this because Cornwall is basically just a basket case that has no hope of ever being better - or is it because Cornwall is basically misunderstood by those who take their direction and philosophy from London based gurus? Gurus who base their expertise on a couple of weeks holiday in their luxury holiday home. Cornwall has so much going for it. We have farming, fishing, minerals, myriad niche micro food businesses and that’s before you get to the potential for renewable energy and, of cou
Read more