Welsh Language Powers for Welsh Assembly
February 3, 2009
“One Wales”, the Welsh Assembly Government’s ambitious programme for Government, commits us to seeking the responsibility for legislating on the Welsh language. The Legislative Competence Order is the mechanism to transfer these powers.
The aim is to create a Welsh law (called a Measure) to “confirm official status” for both the Welsh and English languages, secure linguistic rights in the provision of services, and to establish a Language Commissioner”.
Only after gaining the right to legislate could the Welsh Assembly Government start to discuss details and begin drafting legislation to promote the language. There would be many opportunities to discuss the details of how best to promote and facilitate the language, whilst ensuring that none of this subtracts from the rights of English speakers.
The LCO would also enable the National Assembly, through a subsequent Measure, to safeguard the rights of individuals to speak Welsh with each other – a freedom that is not currently protected in statute.
What Next? Sign up for your Free Aberdare Newsletter ...
Add to Favourites
