Cornwall MPs urge TV shows to depict local culture

Ministers are calling for TV programmes to show the "true Cornwall" rather than be "adverts for second home owners".

Steve Double, MP for St Austell and Newquay, spoke on Monday as ministers debated the Media Bill, which aims to update broadcasting laws.

George Eustice, MP for Camborne and Redruth, suggested that as a national minority, the Cornish should feature more in BBC radio and TV programmes.

The BBC and Ofcom, the media watchdog, have been approached for comment.

Mr Double noted the increased interest in Cornish culture and history following the success of TV programmes such as BBC's Poldark.

However, he said programmes should "present the picture of true Cornwall and our history, our heritage and culture".

"What we don't want is programmes which I could perhaps describe as adverts for more second home owners that just present the sort of picture postcard, idealistic view of Cornwall."

He argued more could be done to reflect the Cornish in its TV and radio programmes.

Mr Eustice agreed and said recognition of Cornwall's special status by the BBC could lead the public broadcaster to "approach local radio" differently.

He said: "At the moment it just treats it like it is any old other part of England."

The Cornish were recognised as a national minority by the government in 2014, with the aim of giving the regional identity special protection.

In Monday's discussion, culture minister Julia Lopez confirmed that culture and heritage were "directly addressed" in the updated public service remit for TV.

This meant that Ofcom had to ensure that public service broadcasters reflected different local areas across the UK, she said.