On 15 December, we officially launched Global Cornish at Westminster, bringing together nearly 200 Cornish diaspora from business, politics, culture, and sport.
Standing on the Terrace at the Houses of Parliament, looking out across the Thames as voices from Cornwall, London, Europe and North America filled the room, I was struck by a simple thought: this moment had been a long time in the making.
On 15 December, we officially launched Global Cornish at Westminster, bringing together nearly 200 Cornish diaspora from business, politics, culture, and sport. Hosted at the Terrace Pavilion with the support of Perran Moon MP, the evening felt like a timely gathering of people who wholeheartedly understand that Cornwall’s story does not stop at its coastline.
It was only back in May, at the Interceltic Business Forum in Cornwall, that we held a panel discussion about leveraging diaspora as economic and cultural assets. At that point, Cornwall’s diaspora strategy had just been finalised.The conversation was about intent, structure and ambition – learning from Ireland, Scotland, Wales and looking at what a distinctly Cornish approach might look like.
Fast forward to Westminster, and that conversation has now moved decisively from theory into action.
Global Cornish is the practical expression of that strategy. It is not simply an ambassador programme or a closed network, but an open platform designed to enable contribution in many forms – time, expertise, networks, mentoring, trade connections, investment, philanthropy, cultural exchange and advocacy. The aimis simple but powerful: to make it easier for people around the world who care about Cornwall to play a meaningful role in its future.
One of the most energising moments of the evening came through a live “pledge moment”, capturing immediate offers of support across sectors. These ranged from business and inward investment to sport, culture and education, reinforced by a poignant video message from Ian Houston across the Atlantic who flies the flag for both Scotland and Cornwall – a powerful reminder of how interconnectedour Celtic networks truly are, and how shared identity can strengthen collaboration rather than dilute it.
Sport also played a visible role on the night, with the Cornish Pirates Rugby Football Club announced as corporate partners of Global Cornish. The partnership reflects the powerful role sport can play in diaspora engagement – acting as a cultural connector, a global brand and a catalyst for investment, pride and participation far beyond Cornwall itself.
The influence of The Diaspora Institute has been fundamental to Cornwall’s journey. Their work has helped shape the strategic thinking behind Global Cornish, grounding it in international best practice while ensuring it remains authentic to place. The emphasis on long-term relationships, reciprocity and trust – rather than short-term transactional outcomes – has been central to the programme’s design.
What also stood out in Westminster was the strength of Celtic collaboration.Cornwall has learned much from its Celtic cousins through forums like the Interceltic Business Forum, and is now beginning to contribute insights backinto that shared ecosystem – particularly around place-based storytelling,sport as a diaspora connector, and practical approaches for smaller nations andregions with global reach.
As Global Cornish moves from launch into delivery, I am especially looking forward to continuing these conversations at the upcoming Interceltic Business Forum in the Isle of Man, and later in Lorient, where 2026 will mark the Year of Cornwall at the Festival Interceltique. These moments of coming together – to share experience, challenge thinking and collaborate across borders – remain vital.
The Westminster launch was an important milestone. But as with all meaningful network building work, it is the ongoing dialogue, connection and collaboration thatwill shape what comes next.
“Global Cornish shows how a small but ambitious nation can think globally. By reconnecting Cornish people by birth, ancestry and choice, Cornwall is strengthening its international voice and contributing to a wider Celtic story of cooperation, confidence and outward-looking ambition.” Cllr Leigh Frost, Leader of Cornwall Council
“GlobalCornish is Cornwall stepping forward with confidence. By activating our global diaspora, we’re unleashing a new wave of Cornish enterprise and influence — a movement rooted in identity, but focused firmly on the future.” Perran Moon MP
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