Osian Rhys, Chair of Cymdeithas yr Iaith said that they congratulated Aled Roberts on his appointment to the “vital” role.
” The Commissioner model has shown its value internationally as a way of protecting other languages, and is succeeding in Wales in various sectors, including the Childrens’ and Older People’s Commissioners,” he said.
“The Government’s plans in their White Paper to abolish the role make no sense, and have been rejected in a public consultation.
“There’s no sense in turning the clock back to an old, failed model that didn’t defend people’s language rights.
“The first thing the new Commissioner needs to do is work with the Government to ensure that the powers in the current Measure are used to the full.
“The Standards system, under the stewardship of the Commissioner, has started to make a real difference on the ground.
“The Commissioner needs to ensure that he and the Government use all the powers they have to implement the current law fully, including extending the Standards to train, bus, water, phone, broadband and energy companies.
“The existence of the Commissioner as a single champion for Welsh means it’s clear who we need to turn to in order to defend our language rights.
“Aled Roberts needs to be a fearless advocate for the language, who will protect its independence from the Government.”
” The Commissioner model has shown its value internationally as a way of protecting other languages, and is succeeding in Wales in various sectors, including the Childrens’ and Older People’s Commissioners,” he said.
“The Government’s plans in their White Paper to abolish the role make no sense, and have been rejected in a public consultation.
“There’s no sense in turning the clock back to an old, failed model that didn’t defend people’s language rights.
“The first thing the new Commissioner needs to do is work with the Government to ensure that the powers in the current Measure are used to the full.
“The Standards system, under the stewardship of the Commissioner, has started to make a real difference on the ground.
“The Commissioner needs to ensure that he and the Government use all the powers they have to implement the current law fully, including extending the Standards to train, bus, water, phone, broadband and energy companies.
“The existence of the Commissioner as a single champion for Welsh means it’s clear who we need to turn to in order to defend our language rights.
“Aled Roberts needs to be a fearless advocate for the language, who will protect its independence from the Government.”
