Labour forum launches group to challenge Plaid for Welsh-speaking votes

7th August 2007

PLAID'S dominance in Welsh-speaking communities is to be put under pressure as Labour's Cymdeithas Cledwyn forum announces a new working group to analyse and challenge the trend.

The announcement will be made tomorrow (Aug 7) by Alun Davies AM and Eluned Morgan MEP at a meeting of Welsh Labour's Cymdeithas Cledwyn forum at the National Eisteddfod.

The high-level working group will include Chair of the Welsh Language Board Meri Huws, Trade Unionist Gerald Parry, Chair of the Wales Labour Party Tecwyn Thomas, Alun Davies AM and Eluned Morgan MEP.

Eluned Morgan said the working group was evidence of the Welsh Labour Party's determination to reverse the recent trend of Plaid gains in Welsh-speaking heartlands that were formerly natural Labour territory.

ELUNED MORGAN said:

"This group will analyse the reasons why people have turned to Plaid in Welsh language communities. We shall be looking at structural party political obstacles in addition to possible policy reasons in order to win back Welsh-speaking votes."

ALUN DAVIES added:

"Welsh Labour used to be the strongest party in Welsh-speaking areas like Meirionnydd and Cardiganshire and we want to be once again. Welsh Labour is the party of all of Wales and we want will continue to be the party of all of Wales - both Welsh-speaking and non-Welsh speaking."

The Cymdeithas Cledwyn working group will draft a report that will be presented to the Welsh Labour Party Executive for consideration.

Note:

• Cymdeithas Cledwyn is a forum within Labour Party Wales which discusses political issues through the medium of Welsh.