WITH a population larger than Scotland, and a history as rich and ancient as Wales and Cornwall, could the kingdom of Wessex point the way ahead for devolution in the south?

That’s the question we explore in today’s paper following the announcement that Cornwall has been granted special status as a distinct people by the European Union.

The National Minority ruling will not bring wealth nor self rule to Cornwall, but it does provide the basis for further rulings to ensure the people and culture of what was once a distinct kingdom in its own right does not fade away.

Those who wish to see the ties with the past here in what was once known as the Kingdom of Wessex retained now also see the area that includes Hampshire, Dorset and Devon as the basis for reformed local government.

But would it work? Do the people of Wessex recognise each other and themselves as being distinct from the rest of the United Kingdom?

With the Scots likely to get at least increased devolution and perhaps more, the Welsh enhanced powers and now Cornwall special status, the question of devolution in England is bound to be raised again.

And Wessex may just provide one answer.