2006 - The year of the New Welsh Language Act

Aneurin BevanAt 2 o’clock today a New Welsh Language Act Protest-rally will be held on Queen Street, Cardiff (Near the statue of Aneurin Bevan). The aim of the rally is to review all the different campaigns of Cymdeithas yr Iaith Gymraeg that have highlighted the need for a new Welsh Language Act.

Cymdeithas yr Iaith will be drawing attention to the lack of Welsh language provision in mobile phone retailers, banks, building societies, supermarkets and chain stores. Steffan Webb of Mentrau Iaith Cymru, and Steffan Cravos, Chair of Cymdeithas yr Iaith Gymraeg are among those who will address the Rally.Steffan Cravos, Chairman of Cymdeithas yr Iaith Gymraeg said:"This year is an all important year for the Welsh language. The aim of the rally is to draw attention to the need for a comprehensive and inclusive Welsh Language Act which deals with the needs of Welsh people in the twenty first century.""Today’s rally is at the centre of a busy period of court cases involving members of Cymdeithas yr Iaith Gymraeg and at the beginning of a period of cross party political discussion and consultation regarding what kind of new Welsh Language Act is needed.""Following the decision by Rhodri Morgan’s government to abolish the Welsh Language Board this discussion is all-important. The Prime Minister of Wales cannot ignore discussions which arise as a direct result of his decisions."*Notes*A consultation regarding the need for a new Welsh Language Act on the 24th of January in the Millennium Centre in Cardiff at 7 o’clock. Solicitor and language expert Emyr Lewis will chair the meeting. Colin Williams, who is a member of the Welsh Language Board and an international language expert and John Elfed Jones, the first chairman of the Welsh Language Board will also address the meeting.