Welsh Conservatives today accused Labour-Plaid of betraying Welsh speakers after failing to grant access to mental health services through the medium of Welsh.
In a vote on the Mental Health Measure, Labour-Plaid AMs refused to support a Welsh Conservative amendment, which would have ensured provision of mental health services for Welsh speakers.
Andrew RT Davies AM, Shadow Minister for Health said, “I am disappointed that Labour-Plaid AMs have refused to recognise equality of access to health services through the medium of Welsh.
“Their refusal to support this proposal means Welsh speaking patients could face a postcode lottery in access to mental health services in Welsh because there will be no requirement to consider the needs of Welsh speakers.
“Having access to mental health services in your mother tongue can be critical to effective diagnosis and treatment.”
The vote comes just days after Labour-Plaid AMs refused to accept Welsh Conservative proposals to strengthen proposals for a Welsh Language Commissioner.
Paul Davies AM, Shadow Minister for Education and the Welsh Language, said, “This will be widely seen as yet another snub to Welsh speakers from the Labour-Plaid Government.
“This is a retrograde step and will come as a disappointment to all who want to see Wales become a truly bilingual nation.
“The NHS has a duty to serve everyone in Wales, whether they speak English or Welsh.”
