Is the Welsh Secretary a Dinosaur for Only Speaking English?

Recent remarks by Welsh Secretary Jo Stevens have sparked controversy over her approach to the Welsh language, leading to accusations of disrespect from Plaid Cymru politician Cefin Campbell. Stevens stated that she primarily communicates in English with her constituents, claiming it is the language spoken by "almost every single constituent." This response has ignited a debate about the importance of bilingual communication in Wales, particularly in light of the Welsh Government's aim to increase Welsh speakers to one million by 2050.

Last updated: 29 October 2023 (BST)

What’s happening now

Jo Stevens' comments have triggered a backlash, particularly from Plaid Cymru members, who argue that her stance reflects a broader issue regarding the status and recognition of the Welsh language. Campbell's remarks during a session in the Welsh Parliament highlighted concerns about the perceived neglect of Welsh in political discourse, especially from those in power. The Labour Party and the Wales Office have been urged to provide clarity on their stance regarding bilingual communications, as the Welsh government continues its push for greater use of the Welsh language across all sectors.

Key takeaways

Jo Stevens faces criticism for her English-only communication approach.
Plaid Cymru politician Cefin Campbell labelled her attitude as disrespectful to the Welsh language.
The Welsh Government aims to increase Welsh speakers to one million by 2050.

Timeline: how we got here

Significant milestones in the ongoing discussion about the Welsh language include:

04 October 2023: Jo Stevens responds to a constituent's inquiry about her use of English only.
24 October 2023: Cefin Campbell raises concerns in the Senedd regarding Stevens' comments.
Throughout 2023: The Welsh Government promotes its policy to reach one million Welsh speakers by 2050.

What’s new vs what’s known

New today/this week

This week, Jo Stevens' comments have been spotlighted at the Senedd, igniting discussions about the Welsh language's status in political communication.

What was already established

It has been recognised that there is no statutory requirement for MPs in Wales to provide bilingual communications, although there is encouragement from the Welsh Government for the use of both languages.

Impact for the UK

Consumers and households

The ongoing debate may impact Welsh speakers in terms of access to information and public services, as well as how inclusive political communication is perceived.

Businesses and jobs

Companies operating in Wales may need to consider bilingual practices to align with the Welsh Government's language policies, which could affect hiring practices and training.

Policy and regulation

The issue may prompt further discussions on language policy in the UK Parliament, particularly regarding the support for Welsh in official communications and services.

Numbers that matter

1 million: The target set by the Welsh Government for Welsh speakers by 2050.
0: There is currently no statutory requirement for MPs to provide bilingual communication.
£0: Funding available for MPs wishing to translate materials is classified as a contingency payment without a limit.

Definitions and jargon buster

Plaid Cymru: A political party in Wales advocating for Welsh nationalism and the promotion of the Welsh language.
Senedd: The Welsh Parliament responsible for making laws and overseeing the Welsh Government.
Welsh Government: The devolved government for Wales, responsible for areas such as health, education, and language policy.

How to think about the next steps

Near term (0–4 weeks)

In the immediate future, expect further discussions in the Senedd about bilingual communication and possible responses from the Labour Party and the Wales Office regarding Stevens’ comments.

Medium term (1–6 months)

Monitoring the impact of these discussions on Welsh language policy and any potential changes in communication strategies from MPs will be essential.

Signals to watch

Responses from Labour leadership and the Wales Office regarding bilingual communication policies.
Public and media reaction to any proposed changes in MPs' communication practices.

Practical guidance

Do

Encourage the use of Welsh in local communities and political discourse.
Stay informed about updates from the Welsh Government regarding language policies.

Don’t

Ignore the importance of bilingual communication in Wales.
Assume that all constituents are comfortable with English-only communication.

Checklist

Review local representatives' communication practices.
Engage with community initiatives promoting the Welsh language.
Stay updated on Welsh Government language policy announcements.

Risks, caveats, and uncertainties

The ongoing debate reflects deeper societal attitudes towards the Welsh language, and there may be varied interpretations of Stevens' comments. As discussions evolve, it is crucial to remain aware of potential miscommunications or differing perspectives on language policy, which could affect public sentiment and political dynamics.

Bottom line

The controversy surrounding Jo Stevens' language use highlights the ongoing struggle for recognition and support for the Welsh language in political settings. As Wales moves towards its goal of one million Welsh speakers, the actions and attitudes of political leaders will play a significant role in shaping the future of bilingual communication in the region.

FAQs

What is Jo Stevens' position on the Welsh language?

Jo Stevens has stated that she primarily uses English for communications, claiming it reflects the language spoken by most constituents. Her stance has faced criticism for lacking respect for the Welsh language.

What is the goal of the Welsh Government regarding the Welsh language?

The Welsh Government aims to increase the number of Welsh speakers to one million by 2050, promoting the use of the language across various sectors.

Are MPs required to provide bilingual communications in Wales?

No, there is currently no statutory requirement for MPs in Wales to offer bilingual communications, although there is encouragement for them to do so.