Let’s show that Cornish people back G7 summit at Carbis Bay

EVEN allowing for the fact that it is usually those who have something negative to say who shout loudest, the initial response from the public of Cornwall to the news of the G7 summit being staged at Carbis Bay this summer has been lacklustre at best.

Social media is not necessarily a fair reflection of the views of society more widely. But even so, those who have chosen to publicly respond to the announcement at the weekend that political leaders from the most important and influential nations on the planet are to gather in West Cornwall for three days, have had little good to say.

We are sure that their grumbling about the cost, the risks during a pandemic and the unfairness of allowing global leaders to travel while they are stuck at home, do not reflect the wider view.

But it would be helpful if those ordinary folk excited, inspired and hopeful about the arrival of Joe Biden and the rest of the great and the good of global politics in West Cornwall from June 11, could express their support, to counter the moaners and the groaners who have already had their say.

Of course it is the right of anyone unhappy that Carbis Bay has been chosen for this globally important meeting to be able to say so, loud and clear. There is also no doubt whatsoever that the politicians, the business leaders and those in positions of authority across Cornwall are delighted at the news, which they see as bringing a £50m boost to Cornwall as well as a longer term beneficial legacy.

While their support is welcome and crucial, the views of the ordinary people matter too and will have a bearing on the success of the event. Of course, any gathering of world leaders that attracts the attention of the media from all over the globe also becomes a focus for protest. Those with an axe to grind go where they think they can get coverage. Expect all kinds of special interest groups to be attempting to grab a piece of the action and get some exposure in Cornwall in June.

But for the majority of families in Cornwall, the arrival of the leaders of the free world, and some special guests from outside the G7 too, is a cause for celebration. Any inconvenience that might be caused by, say, getting stuck behind a United States presidential motorcade on the road between Hayle and St Ives will surely be overcome by the focus this event will bring to the region.

And even if not everyone benefits personally or sees a share of that £50m in earnings, the value of being a resident of the county which hosted this event must count for something – even if it is only something to tell the grandchildren.

The way ordinary people respond to these kind of events matters, not least to the UK government and its Prime Minister, who had a choice about where to host this meeting and chose Cornwall. Some wonder why the north of England, which saw voters make a big shift towards the Conservatives at the last election, was not given the honour. We should be pleased it was not and that Cornwall’s attractions won out. Let’s demonstrate it was the right choice.