Plaid Cymru MS Criticises Welsh Secretary Jo Stevens Over Welsh Language Use
Plaid Cymru MS Cefin Campbell has accused Welsh Secretary Jo Stevens of holding a dinosaur-like attitude towards the Welsh language during a session in the Senedd. Campbell criticised Stevens for using only English in leaflets and social media, arguing this reflects a lack of respect for Welsh. Stevens had explained to a constituent that she uses English because it is spoken by almost every constituent and there is no statutory requirement for bilingual communications.
The issue was raised in the Senedd with Campbell urging action to promote the language. The Labour Party and the UK government’s Wales Office have been asked to respond. Stevens, who is an MP for Cardiff East and represents Wales in Keir Starmer's UK government, is a central figure in this debate.
Welsh Labour policy aims to increase the number of Welsh speakers to one million by 2050, and the Welsh Language Commissioner encourages MPs in Wales to use both official languages. First Minister Eluned Morgan stated she is eager to promote the language, including through elected members, in response to these remarks.
Independent member Rhys ab Owen also urged Morgan to request that Stevens use both English and Welsh, emphasizing that Welsh is essential in Cardiff and that the bilingual communication issue is outdated.
The Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority clarified that MPs have access to unlimited funding to translate materials between Welsh and English as a contingency separate from regular office costs. Additionally, a UK Parliament spokesperson confirmed that Welsh may be used in all committees and that inquiries can be answered in Welsh to ensure Welsh speakers are not treated less favorably.
