At 11 am on Saturday February 23 Cymdeithas yr Iaith Gymraeg will hold a National Rally calling for a New Welsh Language Act outside the National Assembly in Cardiff Bay. The National Assembly Government has already broken two of the promises included in the 'One Wales' document and we are holding this rally in order to make sure that the commitment to a New Welsh Language Act will not be the third broken promise.

Last week the Heritage Minister, Rhodri Glyn Thomas, announced that there would only be £200,000 extra annual funds available for the Welsh language press, a sum that was completely inadequate for establishing a Welsh language daily newspaper.In November last year a demonstration was held outside the National Assembly building demanding that enough money should be set aside to establish a Welsh Language Federal College. £12 million was regarded as necessary for this particular project but only £4.3 million over a period of three years was offered.Hywel Griffiths, Chair of Cymdeithas yr Iaith Gymraeg said:“This rally is held at a time when the people of Wales are losing faith with the Welsh Assembly Government. In the One Wales Document there was a clear commitment to establish a Welsh language daily newspaper and a Welsh language Federal College to ensure that there is adequate Welsh language provision in our Universities. The Welsh Assembly Government has not realised any of these aims. No attempt has been made to implement the Government's proposed Welsh language strategy. All that has been on offer is an inadequate amount of money. The rally outside the Senedd building will symbolise our total disillusion with the present situation and it will also be a warning for the Welsh Assembly Government to keep to its word on matters concerning the Welsh language.”The rally will be supported by representatives from 13 Welsh language organisations who are part of an umbrella group that is committed to promoting the Welsh language. These organisations have united to call for a New Welsh Language Act, which will give Welsh speakers specific linguistic rights, give the Welsh language official status and establish the post of Welsh Language Commissioner. During the rally a 'graffiti wall', the work of artist Bryce Davies, will be set outside the Senedd and people will be invited to sign it so that they may show their support for a Language Act. The 'wall' will be taken to other parts of Wales after the rally, so that people from all over the country may be able to sign it and show their support for the campaign.Sioned Haf, Campaigns Officer for Cymdeithas yr Iaith Gymraeg said:“This rally will give an opportunity to anyone who is disillusioned with the government's commitment to the Welsh language to come and show their support for our campaigns. There will also be live music, speakers and stalls at the event. It will be a colorful celebration and completely different to the gray inactivity of the Welsh Assembly government.Speakers at the rally will include. Former Assembly Member Owen John Thomas, Cardiff solicitor Hywel James, Catrin Dafydd who will speak on behalf of the thirteen organizations who are supporting the rally, as well as representatives from Cymdeithas yr Iaith Gymraeg.