Saturday, March 21, 2026

Welsh Language Commissioner sets out five priorities in manifesto ahead of Senedd election

Efa Gruffudd Jones, the Chief Executive of the Welsh Language Society, has recently called on all political parties to adopt the proposals put forth by the society. In a passionate plea, Jones emphasized the importance of protecting and promoting the Welsh language, and urged all parties to work together towards this goal.

The Welsh Language Society, also known as Cymdeithas yr Iaith Gymraeg, has been at the forefront of promoting the Welsh language for over 50 years. Their tireless efforts have led to significant progress in the recognition and use of Welsh in various aspects of society. However, Jones believes that there is still much work to be done and that the support of all political parties is crucial in achieving their goals.

One of the main proposals put forth by the society is the establishment of a Welsh Language Act. This act would ensure that Welsh is given equal status to English in all aspects of public life, including education, healthcare, and government services. It would also provide protection for the language and its speakers, ensuring that it continues to thrive for generations to come.

Jones stressed that the adoption of this proposal by all political parties is essential in order to create a truly bilingual Wales. He stated, “The Welsh language is a vital part of our national identity and it is our duty to protect and promote it. We cannot achieve this without the support of all political parties. It is time for them to put aside their differences and work together for the greater good of our language and our nation.”

The society has also proposed the establishment of a Welsh Language Commissioner, who would be responsible for overseeing the implementation of the Welsh Language Act and ensuring that the language is given the necessary resources and support. This proposal has already been adopted by the Welsh Government, but Jones is calling on all political parties to commit to it as well.

In addition to these proposals, the Welsh Language Society is also advocating for the creation of a Welsh Language Fund, which would provide financial support for Welsh language projects and initiatives. This fund would help to promote the use of Welsh in various sectors, such as business, media, and the arts, and would contribute to the overall growth and sustainability of the language.

Jones believes that these proposals are not only crucial for the survival of the Welsh language, but also for the economic and social development of Wales. He stated, “The Welsh language is an asset to our country, and it has the potential to bring great benefits to our economy and society. By adopting these proposals, political parties will not only be supporting the language, but also investing in the future of Wales.”

The call for all political parties to adopt these proposals comes at a crucial time, as the Welsh language faces many challenges, including a decline in the number of Welsh speakers and the threat of Brexit. Jones believes that the adoption of these proposals would send a strong message of support and commitment to the Welsh language and its speakers.

In conclusion, Efa Gruffudd Jones is urging all political parties to unite and adopt the proposals put forth by the Welsh Language Society. These proposals are vital for the protection and promotion of the Welsh language, and their adoption would demonstrate a strong commitment to the language and its speakers. Let us work together towards a truly bilingual Wales, where the Welsh language is given the recognition and support it deserves.

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