Eleanor Burnham AM complaining about Welsh Language Board merger

This was in the Shropshire Star the other night on the same page as my letter. A Welsh Assembly Member is complaining that with the incorporation of the Welsh Language Board into the Welsh Assembly, there is nobody to promote Welsh language and culture.

The poor dear has obviously forgotten that this is what the Welsh Assembly is for. This is a government function and if the government that she is a part of can't promote the Welsh language and culture without a special quango paid for with taxpayers money then she and her colleagues shouldn't be in the job.

Language in need of champion

Last week the Government's plan to abolish the Welsh Language Board was postponed by an opposition vote.

I and many other Assembly members have serious concerns about the Government's ill-thought out plans to take a greater responsibility for the Welsh Language. Alun Pugh heard but he hasn't addressed our concerns. The challenge for Mr Pugh is to prove whether he can be the champion for the Welsh language at this Thursday's first meeting of Fforwm laith. The Fforwm will enable the public to openly discuss the current and future state of the Welsh language.

If Mr Pugh can't make Fforwm laith work, face his critics and satisfy the public, what hope has he of championing the Welsh Language? I believe the Fforwm presents the minister with an opportunity to prove he has an ability to take on board constructive ideas and engage the public's enthusiasm for the language.

My challenge to Alun Pugh is this: Prove you can face your critics, listen to the public and give real answers. Then maybe we can begin to believe this Government is capable of safeguarding and promoting the language.

Eleanor Burnham AM
Welsh Liberal Democrat Spokeswoman for the Welsh language and Assembly Member for North Wales