Welsh should be given official language status
I believe Welsh should be given official language status and we should have an independent language commissioner. Bizarrely under existing legislation, Welsh does not have official language status with English.
The Welsh Language Act was introduced in 1993 and is now in serious need of overhaul. It does not reach its full potential in creating a bilingual Wales. We clearly need to promote greater use of the language and protecting the rights of both Welsh and English speakers.
A streamlined version of the Welsh Language Board is needed to work alongside a new commissioner to deliver this. Labour vow to scrap the board and transfer its functions to the Assembly Government. I say this will politicise the language.
We need to encourage, rather than compel, the private sector to offer Welsh language services. I want to see Welsh used naturally in all spheres of life. Giving Welsh official language status, backed up by an independent language commissioner and new legislation would strengthen the rights of Welsh and English speakers.
The Welsh language belongs to Wales and to all the people of Wales. Education, support and encouragement are effective ways forward in promoting greater use of Welsh and in developing a truly bilingual nation.
