Following the results of last week’s election, Dyfodol i’r Iaith calls upon the new Senedd to ensure, as soon as possible, a dedicated Minister for the Welsh language.

Currently, as in the past, whoever is responsible for the Welsh language at ministerial level is expected to share this work with other responsibilities. In the case of Carwyn Jones, he balanced responsibility for the language with the work of being First Minister. We also saw last Autumn mental health and wellbeing matters being added to the Welsh language as part of Eluned Morgan’s remit.

Heini Gruffudd, Dyfodol’s Chair commented:

“We can’t believe it possible, with the best will in the world, for any Minister to do justice to the Welsh language without a clear agenda to concentrate fully on the needs of the language. Our first demand for the new Senedd, therefore, is to appoint a Minister who is solely dedicated to the Welsh language.

Wales and its language faces a challenging period in the wake of Covid 19, and it is now essential that effective structures be put in place to steer the language towards a flourishing future.

We therefore repeat our call for a National Authority to co-ordinate language planning in Wales and a Welsh Language Minister who is able to dedicate his or her full attention to the regeneration of the language.