[Omah]

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-cornwall-18260805

Dan Rogerson, Liberal Democrat MP for North Cornwall, has complained to the BBC and the Equalities and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) over a joke about the Cornish on Have I Got News For You.

The joke was made on the latest edition of the TV satire show by panellist Andy Hamilton in response to a question.

No-one was available for immediate comment from the show.

In the show, guest host William Shatner asked a question about the Olympic torch relay: "What caused confusion in Truro?"

Panellist Andy Hamilton responded: "Well, they're Cornish aren't they? They'll always be confused in Truro."

Mr Rogerson said: "Of course I like a joke as much as the next person, but on this occasion I can't help but feel that these comments wouldn't be tolerated if they were aimed at the Welsh, Scottish or indeed any other nationality or cultural minority.

"I feel that it is comments like this which show that the Cornish are discriminated against as a group, and that they should be recognised as a distinct cultural minority.


"This would give protections to make sure the Cornish are not stopped from maintaining and celebrating our distinct identity."

He added: "I don't want kids in Cornwall to see this kind of thing and and think, 'Is there something about me, maybe I'm not as bright as all the others, maybe I haven't got the chance to be as successful as everybody else.'"

Mr Rogerson's action received a number of responses on the BBC Cornwall Facebook page including Ray Worden who wrote: "Dan Rogerson is a very good MP, but for goodness sake, what a huge storm in a very tiny teacup."

Yeah, get real, Dan .....

[Niamh.]

Oh Dear

[Scarlett.]

Of course Scottish and Welsh would (and do) tolerate the jokes, they have a fricking sense of humour

[lostalex]

I've heard plenty of Scottish and Welsh jokes on HIGNF.

[Omah]

Originally Posted by Chewy

Of course Scottish and Welsh would (and do) tolerate the jokes, they have a fricking sense of humour

Surprisingly, born in Cornwall to an English father and Welsh mother, Rogerson went to Bodmin College (comprehensive school), then studied Politics at the University of Wales, Aberystwyth.

It seems that he's a political opportunist - Rogerson was a councillor on Bedford Borough Council from 1999 to 2002 for the ward of Kingsbook. Before being elected councillor he worked for the Liberal Democrat group on Bedford Borough Council; following his election he worked in University administration.

Rogerson first stood for Parliament in 2001, contesting the North East Bedfordshire seat. After defeat, he took up the "Cornish" cause and in 2005 he was elected for the North Cornwall seat and used the Cornish language during the swearing of allegiance in Parliament. In 2006 Rogerson asked the government to make 5 March a public holiday in Cornwall to recognise celebrations for St Piran's Day.

[arista]

"Well, they're Cornish aren't they? They'll always be confused in Truro."


Its a joke show
no big deal.

[Shaun]

what a humourless knobend.

[MTVN]

lol pathetic, the Cornish are not above having the piss taken out of them

[Kate!]

Politically correct repressed tit.