Campaign for the use of Welsh in the Assembly

Language campaigners have today launched an online campaign calling for the Welsh language to have a stronger presence in the Welsh Assembly (Friday, June 3)

Cymdeithas yr Iaith's Language Rights group will concentrate specifically on the need for a fully bilingual version of the Record of Proceedings (Cofnod). The group will also outline the need for an increase in the general use of the Welsh language in the Assembly.

The Cofnod hasn't been available in Welsh since September 2010, and following complaints from the public, the Welsh Language Board are currently investigating the matter.

Launching the campaign today, Catrin Dafydd, spokesperson on behalf of Cymdeithas yr Iaith said:

"When the people of Wales voted for more powers back in March, they put their faith in the Assembly as an institution. In light of this, Assembly Members have a greater responsibility to show that they are committed to main streaming the use of Welsh in all aspects of Assembly life. Reversing the decision taken by the third Assembly and ensuring that a fully bilingual Record of Proceedings is made available to the public would be symbolic and a clear statement of the Assembly's narrative for the future. If members of the Commission do not reverse this decision, they will be denying the people of Wales' linguistic rights. Accepting the status quo would set a dangerous precedent as well as undermining the 2011 Language Measure that gives the Welsh language official status in Wales."

The language group have sent correspondence to the new members of the Commission in order to ensure that a fully bilingual version of the Cofnod will be made available for Welsh citizens in future.