Welsh MPs oppose government plansUnions and language groups have welcomed news that a majority of Welsh MPs will vote against government plans to cut S4C's budget, as a critical cross-party report is published.Only votes from English MPs prevented the cross-party group of MPs formally including a line calling for S4C to be removed from the Public Bodies Bill (pg. 46), legislation which would allow the Government to cut its grant to the channel by 94%. The effort to stop the plans was supported by Labour, Plaid Cymru and Liberal Democrat representatives on the committee.Speaking on behalf of union group, the FEU (Federation of Entertainment Unions), David Donovan said:"It's clear that the majority of Wales' MPs want to stop the Government's plans by taking S4C out of the legislation, that's to be welcomed. The fact that the Government has relied on the vote of English MPs on the committee says it all. We warmly welcome the opposition of the Labour party, Plaid Cymru and the Liberal Democrats to the Government's attempt to change the law. There's hope that we can win our battle for a secure future for our only Welsh language TV channel with their continued support." The report accepts the need for "a new S4C: a multi-platform, multi-media broadcaster/publisher" (para. 64, pg. 18) and recognises that the deal between the BBC and the Government was made 'in haste' and 'without sufficient consultation' (para. 131, pg. 33). There is also recognition of the financial uncertainty after 2015, the committee argues that it is 'essential that there is a long term funding formula [for S4C] enacted in primary legislation." (para. 100, pg. 26)Menna Machreth, Cymdeithas yr Iaith Gymraeg's broadcasting spokesperson added:"Although the Government has ignored the views of Wales so far, it will have to reconsider its ill-thought-out plans following this critical report. We're glad that the united opposition from Wales to these massive cuts is reflected by the majority of Welsh MPs. It doesn't surprise us that the opposition is so strong, given that the deal between the BBC and the Government would mean a 94% cut to the channel's grant - a cut which is totally unfair. Certainly, we agree with the need for a new S4C in the new multi-platform age and the need for a long term funding formula protected in statute." Meic Birtwistle from journalists' union the NUJ added:"This report puts a great deal of pressure on the Government to look afresh at all its plans. Only with a new way forward, which builds a consensus across Wales, can we secure the high quality programming needed for the success of the channel."Membership of the Umbrella group against the S4C cuts:BECTU, NUJ, Writers Guild, Equity, the Musicians Union, Cymdeithas yr Iaith Gymraeg