S4C campaigners will meet top European officials to discuss the threats to S4C today (Tuesday, 7th June).During a visit to the European Parliament in Strasbourg members of Cymdeithas yr Iaith Gymraeg (Welsh Language Society) will meet the European Commissioner for Culture, Androula Vasilliou.

The UK Government has committed to providing TV and radio services in Welsh under a European treaty. So, the campaigners will also meet the head of the Secretariat for Minority languages, Alexey Kozhemyakov, who oversees the European language charter which commits the Government to supplying media in the Welsh language.

The deputation will discuss the impact of the ninety-four percent cut in the channel's grant on the British Government's legal commitments. Cuts which would mean sharp reductions to the Welsh language TV service from now onwards, compared to 1998 when the UK signed the Charter.Speaking ahead of the trip from Wales to Strasbourg which has been arranged by Jill Evans MEP, Bethan Williams, Chair of Cymdeithas yr Iaith Gymraeg commented:

"Under European rules there's a duty on the UK Government to protect the future of S4C, the world's only Welsh language TV channel. [UK Culture Secretary] Jeremy Hunt's proposed legislative changes threat the channel's future; they give Ministers carte blanche to end the service by starving it of money. That's completely unacceptable. People in Wales have rights to TV and radio services though this treaty and the Government in London must stick to its promises.""A minority group needs a guarantee that they will have the right to the same quality of media as people in other languages. But, that European guarantee risks being removed by the [Public Bodies] Bill: a Minister can cut the channel's funding at will and destroy its independence with a BBC takeover."

Last week news broke that the Archbishop of Wales Barry Morgan had written to the Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg opposing the changes to S4C. Menna Machreth, Cymdeithas yr Iaith Gymraeg's broadcasting spokesperson said:"Welsh opinion is united and clear - this plan is opposed by tens of thousands of people at rallies, through petitions and letters as well as tens of organisations and the leaders of the main parties in Wales. These proposals were made hastily, in just forty-eight hours, without consulting anyone from Wales. That's not the way to take decisions. Everyone sensible realises that the Government-BBC deal was made in foolish haste. Our campaign will continue until the Government starts from scratch, and comes up with a level-headed plan, following consultation,.""UK Government Ministers haven't met a single organisation worried about the future of S4C, despite our and others' efforts. So, we are going to argue our case in every possible way. Up to now, Government Ministers have shown complete disrespect to people in Wales."

One of the European Comissioner's goals is for every EU citizen to speak at least 2 foreign languages as well as their own.

Among the deputation will be Bethan Williams, Chair of Cymdeithas yr Iaith Gymraeg,, Menna Machreth, Cymdeithas yr Iaith Gymraeg broadcasting spokesperson, Dr Simon Brooks, member, Digital Future group, Cymdeithas yr Iaith Gymraeg

S4C campaigners take fight to Europe over budget cuts - Western Mail - 07/06/11