Publication of LCO is a start – but also an obstacle on the road to full linguistic rights.With the publication of the Welsh language LCO, Cymdeithas yr Iaith Gymraeg has challenged the Welsh Assembly Government on this historic day to demand further powers in order to draft a more comprehensive measure –without any interference from London.The LCO does include the powers to make the Welsh language an official language in Wales and it also has the scope to establish a Welsh Language Commissioner – two of the three aims demanded by Cymdeithas yr Iaith Gymraeg.“But the rights on offer in the LCO are conditional. They will not extend into large areas of the private sector“ according to Menna Machreth, Chair of Cymdeithas yr Iaith Gymraeg.

She continued:"Even though there are many things about the LCO to be welcomed the Welsh Assembly Government has prevented the people of Wales from gaining access to the Welsh language because of the absence of comprehensive statutory rights in the LCO. The Welsh Assembly Government has erected large 'No Entry' signs preventing access to large areas of the private sector. This is the very sector that most people come into contact with in their every day life. Our message to the One Wales Government is 'demand a better deal for the people of Wales. At the same time we warn Members of Parliament in Westminster not to participate in any cynical attempt to weaken the measure."She added:"Cymdeithas yr Iaith Gymraeg looks forward to a wide ranging discussion on the measure and we challenge the government how the new legislation will make a difference to those wishing to live their lives through the medium of Welsh"Cymdeithas yr Iaith Gymraeg will be announcing a new period of campaigning for the Welsh language over the next few months with a number of 'events' taking place all over Wales. This will give the Assembly Government a clear message that we demand a language measure that is strong, transparent and just.