Calls for “step change” on the Welsh language

As Senedd Election results begin to be announced, Cymdeithas yr Iaith is setting clear expectations for the new government and calling for a step change on the Welsh language. 

Mirain Owen, Vice-Chair of Cymdeithas yr Iaith, said:

“Whatever the exact distribution of seats in the Senedd when the results are in, it’s clear that the people of Wales have had enough of a lethargic government that has not been ambitious enough in taking action. The message is clear: people want change.

“As part of that, it’s clear that there’s an urgent need to turn the tide for the Welsh language, with the proportion of Welsh speakers in the 2021 Census at its lowest level ever. Since devolution, we’ve seen plenty of warm words but without the real investment and action needed to turn the tide in favour of the language. The people of Wales have shown clearly that they want change, and the next government has a huge opportunity – the time to act is now.

“That includes implementing all the recommendations of the Commission for Welsh-speaking Communities as a matter of urgency, legislating early in the next Senedd term to secure people’s right to a home in their local area, setting out a path towards Welsh-medium education for all, and investing and taking far more ambitious action to increase the daily use of Welsh and to reach a million speakers by 2050.”