West Cornwall MP, Andrew George, has called on the Cornish community to prepare itself to mount a campaign for devolution, whatever the outcome of the Scottish referendum.

Mr George, a founder and vice-chair of the Cornish Constitutional Convention, has said that the devolved powers on offer to Scotland should give encouragement to Cornwall to make a bid of its own.

Mr George said: "All Parties now acknowledge the benefits and opportunities of allowing the Nations and regions of the UK to manage their public services and shape their futures whilst releasing themselves from the dead hand of micromanagement from Whitehall.

“If Scotland and Wales can be offered further powers then Cornwall must be next in line. After all, Cornwall is already recognised as a distinct region for economic development purposes, as a separate people and for its distinct language.

“After all, who is best placed to decide how Cornwall’s housing stock and development plans are best managed? Inspectors in Whitehall or democratically elected representatives in Cornwall?

"Who is best placed to manage Cornwall’s health and social care? Health managers in Whitehall and Leeds or the people, patients and clinicians of Cornwall?

"Who is best placed to decide how Cornwall’s economic development aid is spent? Ministers and mandarins in Whitehall or the business leaders, workers and elected representatives of Cornwall?

“It’s quite clear that Cornwall can and should have more of a say in its future management.

“It is not about cutting ourselves off, but cutting ourselves in to the celebration of diversity in the UK and the strengthening of its devolved regional apparatus of government.”