The Minister for Heritage, Alun Ffred Jones, has welcomed the news that the Welsh Language Measure has received Royal Assent.
The approval was granted following a meeting of the Privy Council and means that the Measure, passed by the Assembly in December, now becomes law.
The Measure meets the three One Wales commitments by confirming the official status of Welsh, providing the means for establishing linguistic rights in the provision of services, and creating the post of Language Commissioner.
Minister for Heritage, Alun Ffred Jones, said:
“The Welsh language is a source of great pride for the people of Wales, whether they speak it or not, and I am delighted that this Measure has now become law. I am very proud to have steered legislation through the Assembly which confirms the official status of the Welsh language; which creates a strong advocate for Welsh speakers and will improve the quality and quantity of services available through the medium of Welsh.
“I believe that everyone who wants to access services in the Welsh language should be able to do so, and that is what this government has worked towards. This legislation is an important and historic step forward for the language, its speakers and for the nation.”
The Measure:
- confirms the official status of the Welsh language;
- creates a new system of placing duties on bodies to provide services through the medium of Welsh;
- creates a Welsh Language Commissioner with strong enforcement powers to protect the rights of Welsh speakers to access services through the medium of Welsh;
- establishes a Welsh Language Tribunal;
- gives individuals and bodies the right to appeal decisions made in relation to the provision of services through the medium of Welsh
- creates a Welsh Language Partnership Council to advise Government on its strategy in relation to the Welsh language;
- allows for an official investigation by the Welsh Language Commissioner of instances where there is an attempt to interfere with the freedom of Welsh speakers to use the language with one another.
