The Eisteddfod's local MP will launch a campaign for online banking services in Welsh with language campaigners today (2pm, 1st August).Susan Elan Jones, Labour MP for Clwyd South, will join author Catrin Dafydd to launch a petition calling on banks to "offer a complete Welsh language service, including a full online banking service in Welsh".Over recent months, members of Cymdeithas yr Iaith Gymraeg have lobbied HSBC to begin an online service, but the company refused to change its policy. In an email to the organisation, they said "...there are no plans to offer personal [online] banking through the medium of Welsh at the moment, although your comments have been noted..."Speaking at the launch, Ceri Phillips, rights spokesperson for Cymdeithas yr Iaith Gymraeg said:"Almost everyone uses their bank on a day to day basis, but as more local branches close and cheque books are phased out, it's becoming increasingly difficult to access services in Welsh. In fact, it's impossible to bank online in the language. Not a single bank offers Welsh online banking, despite many websites that rely on volunteers doing so."As services move online, many companies and organisations are ignoring Welsh. They seem to take the view that the language is not a necessity but there is call for this service in Welsh."Since the sixties, Cymdeithas yr Iaith has secured a number of bilingual services, but as technology changes, some of those victories have been reversed. That's why we're launching this campaign."Susan Elan Jones, Labour MP for Clwyd South said:"More and more people are using online banking, and I think the time has come for banks to maintain the service in Welsh. I'd like to thank Cymdeithas yr Iaith for launching this important campaign. I hope that the new Language Commissioner can investigate banking services when she or he is appointed."