Members of Cymdeithas yr Iaith will be picketing councillors on their way in to a vital meeting of Ceredigion Council (9am tomorrow Tues 30/6 Aberaeron) which will reconsider the decision to publich a Statutory Closure Notice for Ysgol Syr John Rhys, Ponterwyd.
In a message to the councillors, Cymdeithas say that the process which led to the decision to close the school was so hurried and flawed that the Education Minister would be certain to overturn the decision on appeal. Cymdeithas therefore argue that it is better for councillors to instruct their officials to re-engage with parents and the local community to seek a consensus as to the way forward.
Cymdeithas yr Iaith has expressed its disappointment that a key meeting to discuss the Language LCO has been postponed. Peter Hain had announced that the Welsh Grand Committee would meet on July 8th to discuss the Assembly's request to devolve the power to legislate on the Welsh language to Wales, even though such a meeting isn't necessary. Yesterday it was announced that this meeting will be postponed because the Welsh Affairs Committee wants Welsh MP's to have more time to consider their report (as yet unpublished) before they meet.
Cymdeithas yr Iaith is worried that the Welsh Affairs Committee is trying to stall the process, and that the Welsh Office is placing more obstacles in the way of the LCO, to ensure that it doesn't reach the Statute Book before the General Election. If the LCO does not reach the Statute Book before the General Election, the present plans will fall, and the scrutinising process at Westminster will have to begin all over again. This would, in Cymdeithas' view, be totally unacceptable and clearly shows the flaws in the present system.
Bethan Williams, Chair of Cymdeithas' Language Act Campaign Group says:
"We were already concerned that the Welsh Affairs Committee would drag its heels on this matter, and that those who oppose the request would try to postpone the process until after the General Election, which would mean the scrutinising process having to start all over again at Westminster. Peter Hain's decision to insist that the matter is discussed at the Welsh Grand Committee, and then the fact that the meeting has been postponed confirms that concern. Cymdeithas yr Iaith, together with a number of other movements, has presented irrefutable evidence to the Committee at the Assembly and at Westminster of the need to devolve all powers over the Welsh language to Wales, but the Welsh Affairs Committee and the Wales Office are still trying to stall the process."
On the day Professor Robin Williams' recommendations to the Education Minister were published re the Government's policy on the establishment of a Welsh medium Federal college, Cymdeithas yr Iaith has welcomed some of the strong recommendations of the report and is now calling on the Government to establish a robust multi-site College with a substantial budget.
Rhys Llwyd, Cymdeithas' spokesperson on a Welsh medium Federal College, said:
"We are extremely happy that Robin Williams' report has recommended that a new independent establishment be created to develop Welsh-medium education in the higher education sector. Both Cymdeithas and Students' Unions have argued this for years now and are glad that Professor Robin Williams has come to realise that this is the only credible option to substantially increase the Welsh language provision in this sector. Cymdeithas are also pleased that the report stipulates that such developments should be adequately financed."
However Cymdeithas is concerned about the relationship between the proposed Federal College and the present Universities. Rhys Llwyd again :
"Although I understand that it is of central importance that the new Education establishment should co-operate on every level with the present Universities, Cymdeithas believes that there is a danger that people could misinterpret the report's words to mean that the Federal College would be a subordinate body, some kind of little brother to the present universities. It is of central importance that the new college should be of equal status to the other Universities with its own Vice-Chancellor who will be of equal status in this sector as the Vice-chancellors of the other establishments."
Cymdeithas yr Iaith Gymraeg has sent a letter to Mark Rosenshield who is responsible for the Welsh Affairs office in the US Embassy concerning a shameful decision not to allow Arfon Gwilym to enter the country to take part in the Smithsonian Folklife Festival. This is because of a criminal record he acquired as a result of his involvement in campaigns connected with Cymdeithas yr Iaith Gymraeg.
Dafydd Lewis, speaking on behalf of Cymdeithas yr Iaith Gymraeg said:
"Arfon Gwilym has played a key role in the struggle for the future of the Welsh language and it is a matter of great shame, that he is because of this banned from going to the United States of America. Not only has he been a prominent language campaigner but his efforts to promote the folk singing tradition in Wales has been outstanding. Refusing him entry into the United States would be equivalent to the British government refusing Martin Luther King entry into Britain in the 1960's."
By clicking twice and adding your name and address you can help to ensure that full legislative powers concerning the Welsh language are transferred to Wales. This is extremely important at a time when the lack of confidence people have in our MPs in London is so apparent.
We call on Peter Hain, Secretary of State for Wales, not to allow the Select Committee on Welsh Affairs in London to drag its feet on matters concerning the Welsh language. Immediate action needs to be taken before a General election is called, or the process of transferring powers will have to be started again from the beginning.
Having heard all the evidence from the people of Wales the Legislative Committee in the National Assembly has shown initiative by calling for the transfer of all powers concerning the Welsh language from Westminster to Wales. The Welsh Select Committee in London has also heard irrefutable evidence in favour of devolving the powers for the Welsh language to Wales, and the wishes of the National Assembly are crystal clear.
We call on Peter Hain to make sure that the Select Committee's report will be available before the Summer recess, so that we can move forward with the process of devolving the powers for the Welsh language as soon as possible.
Cymdeithas yr Iaith Gymraeg congratulate the members of the Legislation Committee (Number 5) of the Welsh Assembly for preparing a report that clearly concludes that the broadest legislative powers for the Welsh language should be devolved to the National Assembly of Wales. Cymdeithas yr Iaith have been arguing for years that full powers for the Welsh language should be devolved to Wales, allowing the National Assembly to create a comprehensive Welsh Language Measure(s) that gives the Welsh language official status in Wales, gives people in Wales rights to use the language across every sector, and establishes the role of a Welsh language Commissioner.
Rhys Llwyd, Cymdeithas yr Iaith Vice-Chairperson said:
''We congratulate the Committee in the Assembly for declaring with clarity, that the scope of the draft LCO on the Welsh language needs to be expanded, that the broadest scope of legislative power possible over the Welsh Language should be devolved to the National Assembly of Wales. We call upon the Welsh Affairs Select Committee in London, as well as the Secretary of State for Wales, not to block this call from the Assembly, and allow these powers to be devolved to the Assembly as soon as possible."
"It is imperative that these new powers will be used in such a way that the people of Wales will witness a real change in their daily lives. Up until now, there have been no real developments in the field of the Welsh language made by the Welsh Government, and it is high time for this to change. A language measure that includes every sector, including the private sector in its entirety, would be a real step forward that would allow the people of Wales full rights to use the Welsh language."
Two days before the national assembly's legislative Committee No5 presents its report on the LCO (Welsh Language) to the Welsh Assembly Government Ffred Ffransis was released from Park Prison (Bridgend) today. As a result of his failure to receive any services in the Welsh language while he was there Ffred Ffransis has called on the scrutinising committee to demand that ALL legislative powers concerning the Welsh language is fully devolved to Wales with no restrictions through the present LCO.
Ffred Ffransis said:
"The difficulty to receive any kind of forms or Welsh language service within Parc Prison shows clearly how silly it is to try and construct a very complex LCO that is only relevant to limited parts of the private sector. This prison is run by a private company for the benefit of the public sector. It's status under the law would be unclear, and this is only one example amongst thousands of potential difficulties. It's quite obvious that the simple answer is to transfer ALL legislative rights for the Welsh language to the Assembly through the LCO. Then we can have a democratic discussion in the National Assembly about how these new rights should be used. We call on the National Assembly to make a simple announcement about this tomorrow."
Ffred Ffransis, the veteran language campaigner, was sentenced on Monday to 5 days in prison at Llanelli Magistrates court and was taken to Parc Prison Bridgend. His imprisonment was as a result of his part in the campaign for a comprehensive Welsh language measure which would include the private sector.
In a telephone conversation with his wife Meinir Ffransis today (Tuesday) Ffred said that there is no Welsh language provision in Parc prison. There are no bilingual forms or signs and no Welsh Bible. The court at Llanelli refused permission for Ffred to take his Welsh New Testament with him to prison, saying that there would be a Bible at the Prison - but there are only English versions.
Ffred also said that he had refused to sign the remission form which would allow him to be releases after serving two thirds of his sentence i.e.after 3 days because the form was in English only, and it is thus possible that he won't be released until after the full 5 days. He also said that he had refused to fill an English only form to request vegetarian food and is confined to eating only potatoes.
Ffred Ffransis, a prominent camapigner with Cymdeithas yr Iaith Gymraeg was sent to Parc prison in Bridgend today by Llanelli Magistrates for refusing to pay a £50 fine impossed as a result of the campaign for a New Welsh Language Act. In court today, Ffred said that he refused to pay the fine because the situation regarding the status of the Welsh language had not changed in the eight years since the fine was impossed. Ffred also challenged the Magistrates to call on the Assembly Government to demand that all legislative powers for the Welsh language should be transferred from London to Cardiff.
Ffred Ffransis appeared before Llanelli Magistrates' Court at 9.45am this morning. This Court Case arose from a protest held by Cymdeithas yr Iaith in Cardiff back in January 2001. Ffred was ordered to pay a £50 fine and £50 costs following the protest calling for a New Welsh Language Act in Queen Street, Cardiff.
Cymdeithas members painted slogans calling for a New Welsh Language Act on shop windows in Queen Street. The police van arrived to take away arrested members, but a number of the other protesters tried to stop the police van as they were all taking joint responsibility for the actions. Ffred was arrested for obstructing the Police and was consequently ordered to pay a total of £100 by Cardiff Magistrates Court.
Today at the Urdd Eisteddfod, Cymdeitahs yr Iaith will present signatures and the wishes of the people of Wales for a strong language measure to the Assembly Government.
Hundreds of people have signed the walls during the last year, and Cymdeithas calls upon the Legislative Committee No. 5 (Welsh Language) to demand more powers in relation to the Welsh language to Wales.
The Legislative Committee is expected to submit a report on the Welsh language LCO to the Minister for Heritage by June 5th.
Bethan Williams, Chair of the Welsh Language Act Group within Cymdeithas said:
"With Europe's biggest youth festival on their doorstep, the Legislative Committee must be urged think about these young people's linguistic rights so they can have the chance to choose to live through the medium of Welsh. We will be presenting road signs with messages inscribed on them to the Assembly because if the LCO isn't broad enough the Government will be choosing to block the way to the Welsh."
"There isn't a moral reason why the full powers in relation to the Welsh language should not be transferred to Wales. The people of Wales should have the right to decide on the Welsh language, not London. Our message to the Legislative Committee is 'Demand more for the young people of Wales!"
Cymdeithas yr Iaith Gymraeg are campaigning for a language measure which will make the Welsh language official in Wales, a series of rights to Welsh throughout every sector, and creation of a Welsh Language Commissioner to regulate the measure.
On Friday, May 29th at 12pm, Cymdeithas yr Iaith Gymraeg will open the register of the proposed Welsh Language Coleg Ffederal (Welsh College) at the Urdd's maes to emphasise it belongs to everyone, and invite prospective students to register with the Coleg.
As we await the Robin Williams' report to the Education Minister on a model for the Welsh language Coleg Ffederal, Cymdeithas yr Iaith look forward to the establishment of this instistution which will fund Welsh medium higher education and invites school pupils and prospective lifelong learning students to register on a course they wish to see provided in Welsh by the Coleg.
Menna Machreth, Chair of Cymdeithas yr Iaith Gymraeg, said:
'We expect students will be able to register with their geographical higher education institution as well as with the Welsh language Coleg Ffederal if they take a course funded by the Coleg. By opening the register in the Urdd 2009, we aim to build the momentum towards establishing this new institution. Right from the start, students and lecturers must feel ownership over the Welsh language Coleg Ffederal.'
Children and young people who have been visiting the Cymdeithas stand during the week have been taking part in a competition to design a coat of arms for the new Welsh language Coleg Ffederal.
Menna Machreth said further:
'This is an opportunity for future students and lecturers to commit to the vision for Welsh medium higher education. The aim of the Coleg is to create a national Welsh medium academnic community, through a structure which will have an independant funding stream.'
Over 300 people attended a Cymdeithas yr Iaith Gymraeg demo outside the Senedd building in Cardiff Bay today. The rally was arranged to draw attention to the fact that the LCO on the Welsh language in its present form does not go far enough.
Menna Machreth, Chair of Cymdeithas yr Iaith Gymraeg said:
"The Order as it stands now will not make the necessary changes to the every day lives of the people of Wales. All legislative powers concerning the Welsh language should be transferred from Westminster to Wales. We are pleased that so many prominent people in Wales have expressed their support for our demands by agreeing to speak at the rally or by adding their names to an advert supporting the rally."
Hywel Teifi Edwards who also addressed the rally said:
"It is us the Welsh people who created the language problem, and it is us, the Welsh people, through our Senedd who will solve that problem."
TV presenter Angharad Mair told the crowd during the rally:
"I'm calling on people like myself who have been lucky enough to benefit from prosperous careers in Wales through the medium of Welsh - thanks to years of brave campaigning by others, to show their support for this important cause to safeguard the future of the Welsh language. It's imperative that we tell our members of parliament, who have been elected to represent us that we feel strongly that the only place where it's morally just to make decisions on language matters is here in Wales. We need a new progressive law to give the Welsh language full equal status in Wales to safeguard its future for the next generations."
Jake Griffiths, Leader of the Wales Green Party said:
"The Welsh language is a wholly welsh issue and with the continuing devolution of powers to the Welsh Assembly it is only right that full law making powers over the Welsh language rest in Wales with the Welsh Assembly rather than in Parliament."
Another speaker at the event, Catrin Dafydd, said:
"With ten years of devolution behind us, the time has come, to ensure that we are allowed to legislate on a matter which is unique to Wales in our own country. The Welsh language belongs to all those who have chosen to make Wales their home, and it is these people and their government who should have the right to decide on the future of that language and no one else."
Plaid Cymru MP Adam Price also addressed the rally.
The Conservative Party and Liberal democrats sent letters of support confirming that they agree with Cymdeithas yr Iaith Gymraeg that all legislative powers concerning the Welsh language should be transferred to Wales.
Cymdeithas yr Iaith Gymraeg has welcomed the publication of the Welsh Assembly Government's Welsh Medium Education Strategy but warns that WAG has not made it clear that Welsh is an essential educational skill.
This Welsh Medium Education Strategy has appeared following the publication of a number of other strategies such as Learning Pathways Transformation Period 14 -19 ' as well as guidelines for Local Authorities concerning the reorganisation of primary education.
Ffred Ffransis, Education Campaign spokes-person for Cymdeithas yr Iaith Gymraeg said:
"The National Assembly treats the Welsh language as an appendix or an 'add-on' to their other education policies, and not as integral part of the education of every individual. In their Strategy for Local Authorities they insist that Welsh medium education is a central consideration in their education policies, but the National assembly has not adopted this principle itself as is witnessed by their marginal treatment of the Welsh Language in their measure Learning Pathways 14 - 19 ' and their guidelines for reorganising primary education."
The campaign to broaden the scope of the LCO will reach its climax on Saturday, May 16th when Cymdeithas yr Iaith Gymraeg (The Welsh Language Society) will hold a Rally outside the Senedd in Cardiff Bay at 2pm.
Cymdeithas yr Iaith have been informed that members of the Welsh Affairs Committee in Westminster will meet with the Legislation Committee No. 5 (Welsh Language) on Monday 18th of May so the Rally will be a timely reminder of Cymdeithas' calls.
Menna Machreth, Chair of Cymdeithas yr Iaith, said:
"Since the LCO was announced, a strong consensus has emerged from across the political parties in the Assembly and the wider community, calling for the full powers in relation to the Welsh language to be transferred to the National Assembly of Wales, instead of being content with the limited scope of the current draft of the LCO."
"If the powers are limited, then Westminster will be blocking the way forward for the Welsh Language by preventing the Assembly from passing a comprehensive Welsh language measure."
Speakers in the Rally will include Adam Price MP, Hywel Teifi Edwards, Angharad Mair (Wedi 7) and Catrin Dafydd (author).
Cymdeithas yr Iaith Gymraeg held a picket at the Morrisons store on Saturday May 9th, to call for a right to work through the medium of the Welsh language. Ieuan Wyn Jones, AM for Anglesey, has also given his support to Mr David Evans, a former employee of Morrisons, Holyhead, who was banned from speaking Welsh in the workplace.
Mr David Evans, who has now left his post because he could not tolerate the situation any further, has contacted his union, 'Union of Shop and Distributive and Allied Workers' and they are investigating on his behalf.
Osian Jones, Cymdeithas yr Iaith's North Wales Officer, said:
"It's appalling that Morrisons deny their staff basic human rights. It's time for the Assembly Government to establish the right to work in the medium of Welsh or incidents of preventing the Welsh language will happen again."
"We call on the Government in Westminster to transfer all the powers over the Welsh language to Wales so that the Assembly Government can protect the dignity of individuals like David Evans in the workplace."
A full page advertisement promoting a Cymdeithas yr Iaith Gymraeg rally, which will be held outside the Senedd building in Cardiff Bay on Saturday May 16th, will appear in the Welsh press tomorrow (Thursday 7th). The advertisement includes the names of numerous prominent Welshmen as well as language activists, all of whom contributed towards the cost of the advertisement. The advertisement supports a demand from Cymdeithas yr Iaith Gymraeg that FULL legislative powers for the Welsh language should be transferred from Westminster to Wales.
Catrin Dafydd, speaking on behalf of Cymdeithas yr Iaith Gymraeg said:
"We greatly appreciate all the contributions that has made this advert possible. All the contributors have expressed their support for our demands which is that the LCO on the Welsh language in its present form is inadequate and that ALL legislative powers for the Welsh language should be transferred from Westminster to Wales."
Even though a Conservative member who is scrutinising the LCO on the Welsh Language in the National Assembly has made rather negative comments, Paul Davies the Conservative spokesman on Education and the Welsh language has declared that he agrees with Cymdeithas yr Iaith Gymraeg that all powers concerning the Welsh Language should be transferred to the National Assembly in Cardiff.
Paul Davies AM said:
"I agree with Cymdeithas yr Iaith Gymraeg that legislation concerning the Welsh language should be made in Wales. I also believe that the scope of the LCO should be enhanced, and that there should be no limits on the powers transferred, so that full powers relating to the Welsh language are devolved to the Welsh Assembly. The content of any Language Measure is something that can be discussed in the future. The debate at the moment has to do with who should have the responsibility for legislation, and it is the belief of Welsh Conservatives that legislation should be made in Wales. That is why we support the demand that all powers concerning the Welsh language should move from Westminster to Wales."
It has come to Cymdeithas yr Iaith Gymraeg's (The Welsh Language Society) attention that an employee of Morrisons in Holyhead was prevented from speaking in Welsh with his colleagues by the shop's manager.
Mr David Evans, an employee of Morrisons, was warned on several occasions not to speak in Welsh with his colleagues. Yesterday, Mr. Evans walked out of his job because he could not tolerate the situation any further.
Osian Jones, Cymdeithas yr Iaith's North Wales Officer, said:
"It is unfair and unjust that Mr David Evans was stopped by his Manager to speak Welsh in the workplace. Morrisons have been named as a company who has good will towards the Welsh language, but they can't even give their employee's the right to speak Welsh together. Without linguistic rights, Mr David Evans hasn't any legal ground to argue he has a right to speak Welsh in the workplace."
Cymdeithas yr Iaith Gymraeg today welcomed a survey published by The Welsh Language Board, which shows that over 80% of the population thinks that the Welsh language is important. The survey shows the significant support by the majority of people in Wales to normalise the Welsh Language, and the desire to create a truly bilingual Country. Menna Machreth, Chair of Cymdeithas yr Iaith Gymraeg said:
"The result of this survey is further evidence of the desire amongst the citizens of Wales, to be a truly bilingual country. This entails that every sector, including the private sector, are included in this vision. There is not a single reason as to why the Heritage Minister Alun Ffred Jones, whilst presenting evidence before the Welsh Select Committee, should not ensure that full powers for the Welsh Language are moved from Westminster to the Welsh Assembly."
Stickers with the message 'LANGUAGE LCO RESTRICTS WELSH LANGUAGE RIGHTS HERE' were placed on chain stores all over Wales last night (Thursday April 23rd ) in order to draw attention to the fact that companies and businesses targeted by Cymdeithas yr Iaith Gymraeg activists will not be covered by the LCO on the Welsh language.
Next week Alun Ffred Jones, he Heritage Minister, will appear before the committee scrutinising the LCO on the Welsh language. Cymdeithas yr Iaith Gymraeg wishes to draw attention to those businesses that serve the every day needs of ordinary people not covered by the LCO.
Bethan Williams Chair of the Language Act Campaign Group said:
"Most of the private sector has not been included in the LCO on the Welsh language and therefore the Order restricts language rights in Wales. Cymdeithas yr Iaith Gymraeg believes that the LCO should be extended so that all legislative powers concerning the Welsh language are transferred fully to Cardiff."
At 9am this morning Cymdeithas yr Iaith delivered to Ceredigion Council Offices the first of a fleet on new steamrollers which will be seen throughout the county and other parts of Wales in the coming months. Cymdeithas Education spokesperson (Ffred Ffransis) and Dyfed Field Officer (Bethan Williams) visited the Council's Education Offices in Felinfach to present the first copy of this poster (PDF) bearing the words (translated) "No surrender to the pressure for Area Schools - there's more than one option"! These posters will now be put up all over rural Ceredigion by Society members to warn communities of Council plans to steamroller over any opposition to their scheme to set up large centralised Area Schools closing a dozen Welsh-medium Village Schools.
Cymdeithas expect the Council to announce in the next couple of weeks its plan to establish centralised Area Schools in Tregaron and Llandysul sacrificing a dozen Village Schools in the process including a number which are thriving with over 50 pupils and are focal points for their communities. The new schools would cater for all pupils from 3-19 years and are intended to create units which are large enough to be viable to offer a wider range of subjects for 14-19 year old students.
Cymdeithas yr Iaith's (Welsh Language Society) Entertainment Team are very pleased to announce Eitha Tal Ffranco will be headlining the fourth 'Taith Tafod' which will be held in April and May this year. Bandana, the winners of Cymdeithas yr Iaith Battle of the Bands 2008 will be supporting on the tour which will visit each part of Wales.
Lowri Johnston, the co-ordinator of the entertainment group said:
"This will be the fourth tour organised by Cymdeithas yr Iaith, since the first tour back in 2006. The purpose of the tour is to arrange gigs of a high standard in each part of the country and to give a stage to the young bands from Wales to perform in Welsh. It's also a chance for young people to socialise in Welsh, and to receive information about the general political activities of the society. We're very exited that so many brilliant Welsh bands are joining us on the tour, including Eitha Tal ffranco, Huw M, Wyrligigs, Creision Hud, Y Ffrwchnedd, Osian Hedd, Betti Galws, Steffan Huw and Candella. I can't wait!"
While the director of BT in Wales is giving evidence to the Legislation Committee in the Assembly, at 9am on Tuesday March 31st, Cymdeithas yr Iaith (The Welsh Language Society) will be demonstrating outside the Senedd Building emphasising that the current language legislation is not satisfactory (as BT claim) and calling for a broad Legislative Competence Order (LCO). Cymdeithas yr Iaith will accuse BT and politicians who argue against a broad Welsh language LCO of blocking the way to the Welsh language.
It came to Cymdeithas yr Iaith Gymraeg's attention recently, that BT charge more to customers in Wales who choose a Welsh language service from the telecommunication giant. Bethan Williams, Chair of Cymdeithas' Welsh Language Act Group, said:
"BT is encouraging customers to receive their bills on-line, which is to be praised as this is more environmentally friendly. But if customers want to receive their bills in Welsh, they must receive them on paper for an extra cost of £1.23 a month, because BT doesn't offer an on-line Welsh language service. Another example is the 1571 answer phone service, which is free in English, but if you want to record the message in Welsh, you must pay £1.47 for this service. For the most basic services in the Welsh language, the customer is punished by a total of £32.40 extra per year by BT."
Following the announcement yesterday in an open meeting of the board which is discussing various models for the Welsh Federal College, Cymdeithas yr Iaith Gymraeg (The Welsh Language Society) welcome the direction the board is heading and the main principles advocated.
Menna Machreth, Chair of Cymdeithas yr Iaith Gymraeg said:
"We agree with the board's vision of an independant institutuion with ring-fenced funding. These are exciting times for Welsh Education if these progressive plans are realised and we are happy to see the fruit of years of campaiging by students and the larger community."
"We stress that a great investment is needed for the success of this university structure. The Welsh Federal College must be a national academic community, not just a funding body for Welsh education."
Cymdeithas yr Iaith Gymraeg has called on the CBI to stop their attempts to set up a roadblock on the way to full rights for people to use the Welsh language. Following the negative remarks made by the CBI to the Select Committee on Welsh Affairs in Westminster today concerning the devolving of powers over the Welsh language to the Welsh Assembly, Cymdeithas yr Iaith Gymraeg has decided to hold a demonstration outside CBI offices in Cardiff Bay tomorrow (Tuesday 24/03).
Sioned Haf, Campaigns Officer for Cymdeithas yr Iaith Gymraeg said:
"It is high time that the old fashioned idea, promoted time and again by the CBI, that we should not legislate for the Welsh language was laid to rest. Fifteen years have passed since we last had any legislation in this field and it is therefore only natural that we should look again at our legislative needs in Wales so that we can make sure it meets with our demands in this day and age. The public sector has dramatically reduced in size over this period, and there has been massive growth in the private sector, and legislation needs to reflect this. As things stand, linguistic developments in Wales are lagging behind those of other countries outside the British Isles. The CBI's contribution to the debate is a negative embarrassment."
Cymdeithas yr Iaith Gymraeg - The Welsh Language Society, will be taking a clear message to the Welsh Affairs Committee in London next Monday, that all powers to legislate for the Welsh language are devolved from London to Wales, without any restrictions. The deputation on behalf of the Society, will present new evidence, that proves the inequalities that exist within current Welsh language services, along with proof that there is a pressing desire by the people of Wales to be allowed the right to legislate in the field of the language within Wales.
Menna Machreth, Chairperson of Cymdeithas yr Iaith Gymraeg said:
"We will be emphasising that the right to legislate over the Welsh language are transferred completely from London to Wales. We will also make the case that the scope of the LCO draft should be expanded, ensuring that we have enough powers in Wales to legislate upon suppliers of goods, services and public utilities within Wales as we see fit in the future. We do not want to return time after time to London, to ask for more powers when the time will come to legislate in Wales following further linguistic developments in the future, which is certain to happen over the next few decades."
Given the hassle faced by a young member of the Society to secure a Driving Test in Welsh, the Carmarthen Region of Cymdeithas yr Iaith has said that it's no wonder that few people go to the hassle of demanding services in Welsh. Ysgol Dyffryn Teifi sixth-former Ioan Teifi is about to sit his A-level exams. He's been learning to drive and wanted to pass his test before the exams started and before going to college after summer at work.
On telephoning the Driving Standards' Agency telephone line to book a test, his family were informed that Ioan could take the test at Lampeter during the Easter holidays or on the first day back at school only if he agreed to take the test in English. After pressing the Agency further, they agreed to introduce 3 further Welsh "slots" for Tuesday 21st April and Ioan will have to take a morning off school two days before his first exam in order to take the test in Welsh.
At 9.30 Tuesday March 17^th a deputation from Cymdeithas yr Iaith Gymraeg will give evidence before the Committee considering the LCO on the Welsh language. The evidence on behalf of Cymdeithas yr Iaith Gymraeg will be given by Menna Machreth (Chair), Sioned Haf (Campaigns Officer) and Sian Howys Policy Co-ordinator on Welsh language Act). In its evidence Cymdeithas emphasises the welsh language must be given official status. It will also call for statutary rights to use the Welsh language in the public, private and voluntary sectors. There will also be a demand for a Language Commissioner.
Demand that all all legislative powers concerned with the Welsh language are devolved to Cardiff!
A committee in the Assembly is now scrutinising the LCO (proposed powers to the Assembly) and are receiving evidence from the people of Wales as to whether these powers should be devolved to Wales. As many people as possible need to send this e-mail to members of the committee to show that the people of Wales want legislation relating to the Welsh language to be made in Wales.
As things stand the LCO does give the Assembly certain powers but there are also some major constraints e.g. supermarkets have been excluded. We demand THAT ALL LEGISLATIVE POWERS REGARDING THE WELSH LANGUAGE ARE TRANSFERRED TO CARDIFF. As Jenny Randerson AM said, if we want to include the private sector in any language measure, surely that discussion should be held in Wales, not London?
This follows the long awaited publication of the Welsh Language Legislative Competence order (LCO), by the Assembly Government, calling for the devolving of legislative responsibility for the Welsh language from the Westminster Parliament in London to the National Assembly in Wales. The LCO does not have the necessary powers and there is a great danger that Members of Parliament in London will attempt to further weaken the LCO.
If a large number of people take part in this exercise, the pressure on the Westminster Government to transfer powers to the National Assembly will be that much greater. In turn there is a far greater chance that the National Assembly Government will give us a Comprehensive Welsh Language Measure.
Following the recent publication of the Legislative Competence order (Welsh Language) Cymdeithas yr Iaith Gymraeg intend to hold a series of public meetings throughout Wales to discuss the issues raised. These forums will be held in four locations.
The Institute, Caernarfon (map) at 7.30 March 12th with Dafydd Iwan (President of Plaid Cymru), Menna Machreth (Chair Cymdeithas yr Iaith Gymraeg) Aran Jones (Cymuned) participating. Simultaneous Translation available.
Canolfan Morlan, Aberystwyth (map) at 7.30 pm March 12 with Rebecca Williams (UCAC) and Sian Howys (Cymdeithas yr Iaith Gymraeg). Simultaneous Translation available.
The Duke of Clarence, Cardiff (map) at 7.30 on 16th March with Leanne Wood Am (member of the committee scrutinising the LCO), Menna Machreth (Chair of Cymdeithas yr Iaith), Aled Elwyn Jones (Strata Matrix), Prof. Colin H Williams. Simultaneous Translation available.
The Boar's Boar's Head, Carmarthen (map)at 7pm on the 20th March with Adam price MP, Hywel Griffiths (Cymdeithas yr Iaith) and a representative from Mentrau Iaith. Simultaneous Translation available.
The purpose of these forums is to give the public an opportunity to voice their opinion and to be a part of the on going discussions about the Legislative Competence Order. We extend a warm welcome to any one interested in demanding rights for the Welsh language. Reports from the meetings will be forwarded to the Legislative Committee in the national Assembly responsible for scrutinising the Order.
For further information contact Bethan Williams, Chair of the Language Act Campaign Group (Cymdeithas yr Iaith Gymraeg) bethan@cymdeithas.org or phone our head office 01979 624501
Cymdeithas yr Iaith have called on the Welsh Assembly Government to follow the lead set by the Scottish Government (see today's announcement) and establish a presumption in favour of small schools. According to the Society, this would force 'lazy' local officials and politicians to properly engage with parents and governors to work out sustainable patterns for education locally and it would give encouragement to demoralised local communities.
Cymdeithas yr Iaith Gymraeg has accused Iceland (a company with its roots in Wales) of dragging the Welsh language back to the Ice Age. Dafydd Morgan Lewis, speaking on behalf of Cymdeithas yr Iaith Gymraeg said:
"Members of Cymdeithas yr Iaith Gymraeg were in Llangefni this morning (Thursday)as Iceland opened a new shop in the town There was no sign of the Welsh language in the store since ALL signage was in English, even though Llangefni is one of the strongest Welsh speaking areas in Wales. That is why Cymdeithas members put up stickers in the store with the message 'Where's the Welsh/New Welsh language Act. (see attachment)."
Demand that all all legislative powers concerned with the Welsh language are devolved to Cardiff
The next step for the Legislative Competence Order (LCO) will be an assessment by the Select Committee on Welsh Affairs which will include 11 MPs in Westminster. Some of these MPs have a history of being anti Welsh language, and many oppose the transfer of powers from Westminster to the National Assembly, it is therefore important that they are made aware of our demands for linguistic rights. The closing date for submitting written evidence to the Welsh Affairs Committee is March 4th.
On Friday night, March 13, a very special night will be held in Caernarfon to raise money for the people of Gaza. Cymdeithas yr Iaith (the Welsh Language Society) will give people a chance to contribute by supporting the event where Steve Eaves and Gwilym Morus will be performing. The night was the idea of Steve and Gwilym, and we are confident that it will give many people the chance to contribute to a cause that has touched them deeply.
Publication of LCO is a start – but also an obstacle on the road to full linguistic rights.
With the publication of the Welsh language LCO, Cymdeithas yr Iaith Gymraeg has challenged the Welsh Assembly Government on this historic day to demand further powers in order to draft a more comprehensive measure –without any interference from London.
The LCO does include the powers to make the Welsh language an official language in Wales and it also has the scope to establish a Welsh Language Commissioner – two of the three aims demanded by Cymdeithas yr Iaith Gymraeg.
“But the rights on offer in the LCO are conditional. They will not extend into large areas of the private sector“ according to Menna Machreth, Chair of Cymdeithas yr Iaith Gymraeg.
Do you realize that the Welsh language is not an official language in Wales today, and that you have no rights to use the Welsh language in your every day life?
The Welsh Assembly Government has just published its Legislative Competence Order (LCO) calling for the transfer of power on Welsh language legislation from the parliament in London to the National Assembly in Cardiff. A simple video axplaining the Welsh language LCO to the left. But the LCO is not strong enough, and we fear that members of Parliament in London will try and weaken those powers that have been transferred to the Assembly.
We ask you to send a copy of the letter below to your Assembly Members and Member of Parliament urging them not to weaken the powers over the Welsh language that are to be transferred from London to Cardiff, and to also ensure that giving Welsh official status, statuary rights for Welsh speakers, statuary rights for Welsh speakers and the establishment of a Language Commissioner is all part of any future legislation.
If a great number of us do this then the pressure on the Westminster government to transfer the powers fully to Cardiff will be even greater. The Welsh Assembly Government in turn will be under pressure to give us a comprehensive Welsh language Measure.
Cymdeithas yr Iaith Gymraeg have declared their dissapointment regarding the amount of consideration given to the Welsh Language within a Assembly Government's consultation paper regarding sustainablity within Wales. The paper, that aims to adopt reasonable tactics that will pave the way for a sutainable Wales has been through a process of consultation since the end of 2008. At the moment there exist only a rushed clause at the end of the paper that considers the Welsh Language as an intrinsic part of the vision of a sustainable country for the future.
This Wednesday (28th) will see a debate in the Assembly Chamber on the report of the Rural Development Sub-committee on the Re-Organisation of Schools in Rural Wales (pdf). The Education Minister has given a written response to the Sub-Committee?s recommendations. Cymdeithas believe that Jane Hutt's response is an attempt to sidestep many of the main recommendations, and are pressing AM's to put the Minister on the spot in Wednesday's debate.
At 11 am on Saturday the 24th of January, a flat in the Caernarfon’s Victoria Dock development was occupied by members of Cymdeithas yr Iaith Gymraeg. This symbolic act is part of the campaign for the future of the Welsh-speaking communities of Wales, and hopes to focus attention on establishing the Right to Rent as part of the answer to the crisis that is facing those communities. Cymdeithas yr Iaith calls on the Welsh Assembly Government and local authorities to work together in order to ensure an increase in the number of homes available for rent by local people.
Cymdeithas yr Iaith Gymraeg insists that the LCO on the Welsh language does not go far enough. Menna Machreth, Chair of Cymdeithas yr Iaith Gymraeg said:
"The rumors hints and suggestions about what is included in the LCO makes it necessary for Cymdeithas yr Iaith Gymraeg to emphasise yet again that we believe that the LCO should go further. While the rhetoric about rights is in use it has not been realised. For anyone who wishes to exercise his rights in the public sector in Wales the LCO's span is not far reaching enough. It denies the right to use the Welsh language in most of the private sector."
Cymdeithas yr Iaith Gymraeg call on MPs and AMs to ensure the rights of everybody in Wales to the Welsh Language
It has become apparent that Parliamentary Members in London will be attempting to weaken the draft of the Assembly's LCO for the right to legislate for the Welsh Language. They will consequently threaten to weaken the rights of the Welsh people to the Welsh language.
Following a year of campaigning against major companies in the private sector, Cymdeithas yr Iaith (The Welsh Language Society) held a Rally on the main retail street of Wales and our capital city, Cardiff, today to draw the attention of the Assembly Government to the need for all legislative powers regarding the Welsh language to be devolved from Whitehall to the Assembly in Cardiff. Bethan Williams, Chairperson of Cymdeithas' Welsh Language Act group said:
"We have been campaigning relentlessly over the past twelve months, lobbying, letter writing, and taking direct action against the giants of the private sector, leading to many of our members receiving criminal records and heavy fines. Despite their sacrifices for linguistic justice, very little attempt has been made by these companies to resolve the linguistic disparities."
Cymdeithas yr Iaith Gymraeg can reveal that Santa Clause will visit the 'Orange' franchise mobile phone shop on Terrace Road, Aberystwyth this Saturday the 13th of December. Santa will pull from his sack a list of the services he would like to see 'Orange' provide in Welsh. Santa will then hand over the list to the workers at the shop asking them to forward it to 'Orange' head office, he will also ask the shop to support Cymdeithas' campaign by sending a letter to 'Orange' asking them to provide a bilingual service to their customers.
Cymdeithas yr Iaith have welcomed the report announced today by the Rural Affairs sub-committee on the re-organisation of rural schools. Cymdeithas have specifically welcomed the observations that the Local Authority should take seriously the consultation process with the local communities and that the effect of the re-organisation on the Welsh language should be a " major determinant " during the process.
Cymdeithas yr Iaith have sent an open letter to the governors of Ysgol Carreg Hirfaen Federated School, calling on them not to give in to the pressure from the County Council to close the 2 village sites at Ffarmers and Llanycrwys. The County Council has offered to pay for an extra porta cabin at the Cwmann site and the cost of transporting the children there, on condition that the other 2 sites are closed in January. In their letter to the chair of Governors, Cymdeithas yr Iaith call on the Board not to give in to this blackmail from the County Council.
Following a successful AGM and national Rally, with over a 100 people present, six members of Cymdeithas yr iaith Gymraeg were arrested. Menna Machreth, newly elected chair of Cymdeithas along with Rhys Llwyd the vice chair of the movement were arrested for painting the slogan 'MESUR IAITH CYFLAWN' (A COMPREHENSIVE LANGUAGE MEASURE) on the walls of the New Assembly building in Aberystwyth. Another fifty members showed their support for this action by signing their names on the wall. This led to the arrest of another four people, Bethan Williams who is chair of Cymdeithas yr Iaith's Language Act campaign, Siriol Teifi, chair of Cymdeithas branch at Aberystwyth University and two teenagers who have not been named.
Cymdeithas yr Iaith General Meeting
25 October 2008 – Morlan Centre, Aberystwyth
Order of the Day
10.00am - Welcome and refreshment
10.30am - Financial Report and Report on Investing in the Community (Danny Grehan & Sel Jones).
10.50am - “Education motions” x 3
11.20am - “Free Communities” Motion
11.30am - “Welsh Language Act” Motion
11.40am - General Motions x 2
12.00pm - Emergency Motions
12.15pm - Discussion and special motion on the Music Scene in Wales and the PRS.
12.40pm - Announcement of the results of the postal election for positions on the Cymdeithas yr Iaith Gymraeg Senedd [governing body] + Election for unfilled positions.
12.50pm - Speech of the Chair of Cymdeithas yr Iaith Gymraeg 2008 – 2009
Cymdeithas yr Iaith have called on Carmarthenshire Education Authority not to make the same mistake as they did with the MEP, as they discuss a Pilot Scheme for 14 - 19 year old education in Dinefwr ( from Llandovery and Aman Valley to Gwendraeth Valley.) Education chiefs drew up a background paper as far back as August 2007, but there has been no public debate. In the latest document regarding the developing of an Educational Model in Dinefwr, the Education chiefs have come up with a list of key questions. The first question being "When and how will we communicate/convey what we want to do/achieve?"
As the Annual General Meeting and National Rally arranged by Cymdeithas yr Iaith Gymraeg in Aberystwyth next Saturday fifteen of the organisation's members will almost immediately leave on a fact finding trip to the Basque Country. This will be the largest ever deputation of Cymdeithas members to go on such a trip and it will be the organisations first official visit to the Basque Country in 15 years.
Over 300 people attended a Cymdeithas yr Iaith Gymraeg demo outside the Senedd building in Cardiff Bay today. The rally was arranged to draw attention to the fact that the LCO on the Welsh language in its present form does not go far enough.
Cymdeithas yr Iaith Gymraeg today welcomed a survey published by The Welsh Language Board, which shows that over 80% of the population thinks that the Welsh language is important. The survey shows the significant support by the majority of people in Wales to normalise the Welsh Language, and the desire to create a truly bilingual Country. Menna Machreth, Chair of Cymdeithas yr Iaith Gymraeg said:
Cymdeithas yr Iaith have called on the Welsh Assembly Government to follow the lead set by the Scottish Government (see today's announcement) and establish a presumption in favour of small schools. According to the Society, this would force 'lazy' local officials and politicians to properly engage with parents and governors to work out sustainable patterns for education locally and it would give encouragement to demoralised local communities.
Cymdeithas yr Iaith Gymraeg has accused Iceland (a company with its roots in Wales) of dragging the Welsh language back to the Ice Age. Dafydd Morgan Lewis, speaking on behalf of Cymdeithas yr Iaith Gymraeg said:
This Wednesday (28th) will see a debate in the Assembly Chamber on the report of the Rural Development Sub-committee on the 
At 11 am on Saturday the 24th of January, a flat in the Caernarfon’s Victoria Dock development was occupied by members of Cymdeithas yr Iaith Gymraeg. This symbolic act is part of the campaign for the future of the Welsh-speaking communities of Wales, and hopes to focus attention on establishing the Right to Rent as part of the answer to the crisis that is facing those communities. Cymdeithas yr Iaith calls on the Welsh Assembly Government and local authorities to work together in order to ensure an increase in the number of homes available for rent by local people.
Cymdeithas yr Iaith Gymraeg insists that the LCO on the Welsh language does not go far enough. Menna Machreth, Chair of Cymdeithas yr Iaith Gymraeg said:
Following a year of campaigning against major companies in the private sector, Cymdeithas yr Iaith (The Welsh Language Society) held a Rally on the main retail street of Wales and our capital city, Cardiff, today to draw the attention of the Assembly Government to the need for all legislative powers regarding the Welsh language to be devolved from Whitehall to the Assembly in Cardiff. Bethan Williams, Chairperson of Cymdeithas' Welsh Language Act group said:
Following a successful AGM and national Rally, with over a 100 people present, six members of Cymdeithas yr iaith Gymraeg were arrested. Menna Machreth, newly elected chair of Cymdeithas along with Rhys Llwyd the vice chair of the movement were arrested for painting the slogan 'MESUR IAITH CYFLAWN' (A COMPREHENSIVE LANGUAGE MEASURE) on the walls of the New Assembly building in Aberystwyth. Another fifty members showed their support for this action by signing their names on the wall. This led to the arrest of another four people, Bethan Williams who is chair of Cymdeithas yr Iaith's Language Act campaign, Siriol Teifi, chair of Cymdeithas branch at Aberystwyth University and two teenagers who have not been named.
As the Annual General Meeting and National Rally arranged by Cymdeithas yr Iaith Gymraeg in Aberystwyth next Saturday fifteen of the organisation's members will almost immediately leave on a fact finding trip to the Basque Country. This will be the largest ever deputation of Cymdeithas members to go on such a trip and it will be the organisations first official visit to the Basque Country in 15 years.