Today Cymdeithas yr Iaith Gymraeg held a picket at the Plaid Cymru Conference at 'Venue Cymru, Llandudno, Saturday September 12.The picket was held because the LCO on the Welsh language as it stands is an obstacle to full linguistic rights in Wales. It was also an opportunity for Cymdeithas to show its frustration because large High street shops such as Boots, Super drug and Tesco have not been included in the LCO.

Osian Jones, North Wales organiser for Cymdeithas yr Iaith Gymraeg said:"We are disappointed with both the Culture Minister and and the LCO. Alun Ffred Jones is fully aware of the precarious situation the Welsh language is in at the moment and there is therefore a responsibility on him to work positively for the language. Cymdeithas yr Iaith Gymraeg are worried that the Assembly Government is not committed to extending the powers of the LCO so that it includes more of the private sector. We challenge Alun Ffred Jones to legislate in order to make a differnce, since legislation has made an impressive difference in other areas where there has been inequality.""Cymdeithas yr Iaith is of the opinion that the present LCO is both narrow and weak. We also believe that all powers concerning the Welsh language should be transferred from London to Cardiff before the next General Election so that we may have strong and meaningful legislation which will give the language its rightful status, recognise Welsh as a language unique to Wales, and give the Welsh people their linguistic rights so that they are able to use their language freely in their every day lives. That is why we are here today picketing the Plaid Cymru Conference."Glyn Jones, Chair of Clwyd region, Cymdeithas yr Iaith Gymraeg said:"There is a danger that the LCO could be an obstacle to the development of full linguistic rights for the Welsh people. As a matter of urgency the Culture must strengthen and extend the powers of the LCO if he is serious about the Welsh language and ensuring justice for the people of Wales."