NEWS FROM THE CELTIC LEAGUE The United Kingdom Government has confirmed that the Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities is operative in respect of the Cornish people. The Cornwall Branch of the Celtic League played a pivotal role in the eventual formal recognition of the Cornish people and the effectiveness of their lobbying of politicians at all levels was noted. The text of the letter from Stephen Williams MP, Minister for Communities at the Department for Communities and Local Government is set out below: 'Following my recent visit to Cornwall, I thought it would be useful to update you on our position regarding our recognition of the Cornish people under the Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities. Firstly I am delighted at the Government's decision to bring the Cornish people within the scope of the Framework Convention has been so well received in Cornwall. I can also confirm that there is no further ratification process. The inclusion of Cornish people took immediate effect following the Government's announcement in April 2014. Secondly, you may be interested to know that we submit the Government's next report to the Council of Europe under the Framework Convention next year, before the general election. My officials are coordinating the preparation of the draft report and they have been in touch with officials in Cornwall Council, who are assisting them in this work. I am extremely grateful for that assistance which will help ensure that Cornish issues are properly covered in the report. We will send a draft version of the report out for information and comment early next year and we will of course include Cornish organisations in that consultation.' Related link at the Celtic League archive here: (voir le site) J B Moffatt (Mr) Director of Information 29/01/15 (Please note that replies to correspondence received by the League and posted on CL News are usually scanned hard copies. Obviously every effort is made to ensure the scanning process is accurate but sometimes errors do occur.) ISSUED BY THE CELTIC LEAGUE INFORMATION SERVICE. The Celtic League has branches in the six Celtic Countries. It works to promote cooperation between these countries and campaigns on a broad range of political, cultural and environmental matters. It highlights human rights abuse, monitors all military activity and focuses on socio-economic issues Internet site at: (voir le site) (voir le site)