Jayne Kirkham, MP for Truro and Falmouth, has been calling on the new Labour government to back Cornwall's 'unique riches'.

In a speech at Westminster Hall on the topic of developing renewables in Cornwall, she set out a vision for the Duchy's future, centred on its natural resources and resourcefulness.

She addressed the potential for a "large-scale thriving energy sector" in the county and highlighted Cornwall's critical mineral deposits of lithium, tin, and tungsten, as well as existing and potential renewable energy initiatives.

Ms Kirkham said: "The renewable energy sector already exists in Cornwall.

"About 37 per cent of our electricity is currently generated from renewable sources.

"But it is nowhere near the scale required to make the most of the vast opportunities that exist.

"The sector needs investment, along with ambition and determination.

"Cornwall is ready to become the multi-renewable power production capital of the UK."

Ms Kirkham, who was one of six MPs sworn into Parliament in both English and Cornish, called for a national energy strategy and infrastructure plan to unlock Cornwall's potential.

She argued that Cornwall has always been an integral part of British history, from its tin mines which laid the foundation for the industrial revolution, to Falmouth's role as a key communication hub.

Ms Kirkham continued: "If industrialism quite literally runs through the Cornish landscape, in the tin-rich veins that pass through our granite, then resourcefulness runs through the blood of the Cornish too."

The MP also highlighted Cornwall's important role in achieving the government's 2030 carbon neutral target, suggesting that Britain needs Cornwall to achieve this.

She said: "To achieve net zero electricity by 2030, Britain needs Cornwall."

The Truro and Falmouth MP further outlined an exciting opportunity for an energy sector in Cornwall that creates skilled jobs, brings social value to local people, and generates clean power to help the nation meet the 2030 carbon neutral target.

However, she acknowledged that this vision could only be achieved with a long-term dedicated focus from the government.

She asked the government to put their faith in Cornwall and its people, asserting that the challenge of creating a secure and sustainable power grid does not daunt the people of Cornwall.

Ms Kirkham concluded her speech by making it clear that the Cornish people deserve to benefit from this future to the maximum.