Tomorrow (Friday 9/6/06), an important meeting will be held between Cymdeithas yr Iaith Gymraeg and representatives of the Conservative Party to discuss the need for a New Welsh Language Act. Following the recent declarations by the Welsh Language Board, Plaid Cymru and the Liberal Democrats (all of which supported the call for a Welsh Language Act) this meeting is further evidence that the debate regarding the need for further legislation is moving forward.

Catrin Dafydd, leader of the campaign calling for a New Language Act said:"Over the past few months, various members from the Conservative Party have made several positive remarks regarding language policy in general as well as the need for a New Language Act in particular. As a result, we are glad to have this opportunity to discuss the need for further legislation. We hope that we can have a constructive discussion, and that we will be able to develop a consensus regarding matters such as the need for the Welsh language to be given official status as well as the need to establish a set o basic language rights.""The fact that the Conservative Party is prepared to discuss these matters is further evidence that the debate regarding the need for further legislation is moving forward. Now, the Labour Government must decide it it wants to play a constructive part in this discussion or if it wants to contiue to undermine it."This meeting comes a day before the large Language Festival calling for a New Welsh Language Act that will be held at the Great Hall in Aberystwyth's Arts Centre on Saturday, June 10. The festival is organised by Cymdeithas yr Iaith Gymraeg (Welsh Language Society) with the support of many Welsh organisations, including Merched y Wawr, UCAC, Plaid Cymru, Cymuned, Cylch yr Iaith and UMCA.Among those taking part in the rally will be Ieuan Wyn Jones AM, leader of Plaid Cymru. In addition messages of support from Eleanor Burnham AM from the Liberal Democrats and Lisa Francis AM from the Conservative Party will be read out. There will also be contributions by members of Merched y Wawr, UCAC and UMCA as well as alternative presentations by well-known poets, bands and rap artists.