Cymdeithas Cledwyn targets West

27th June 2008

Cymraeg

PROPOSALS for a grassroots policy agenda aimed at creating sustainable, lively and bilingual communities are to be put forward by Cymdeithas Cledwyn.

A new report The Fro: Winning votes in Welsh-speaking Wales will be presented to a representative of the Welsh Labour Party Executive today. The report encourages a focus on creating ‘sustainable and lively communities where there are at least two languages'.

The report includes historical analysis of the performance of the Labour Party in ‘the Fro' (the seats in the western half of Wales with a high proportion of Welsh speakers). It also contains ideas on how to reform Labour Party organisation in the region, policy proposals targeted at the Fro and recommendations on issues relating to the Welsh language.

It urges Welsh Labour to adopt a grassroots policy agenda regarding the Welsh language, focusing on ‘everyday' Welsh speakers and moving away from expensive translations of complex documents.

Among the key ideas put forward are:

• A seaside town strategy to include; utilising EU Convergence funding to create model, sustainable, carbon neutral communities; encouraging businesses to commit to buying from local suppliers - feeding into a campaign on high-quality sustainable Welsh environmental tourism.

• A fundamental re-think of the pattern and promotion of farming including promoting diversification through utilising farmers' existing mechanical skills to deliver renewable technology.

• A WAG-funded competition offering a substantial financial incentive for the design of an environmentally-friendly low-cost home.

• Schemes to utilise rural pubs, community and church buildings to promote traditional Welsh culture.

• A major transport overhaul to force bus companies to run unprofitable but socially valuable rural routes by linking their contracts to those of profitable routes.

• Ensuring Welsh is the language of right in parts of Wales when, for example, dealing with the elderly in care homes.

• Enabling bilingual juries in appropriate circumstances.
• Moving away from symbolic and expensive translations of complex documents and ring-fencing the money saved for grassroots projects.

ALBERT OWEN MP, a member of the Cymdeithas Cledwyn consultation committee, said:

"In preparing this report we listened to the concerns of those living in the Fro - about the need for more affordable housing and better rural transport, to address the future of rural enterprise, and to enhance community life and protect local traditions.

"The recommendations put forward today are designed to address those concerns. It offers a clear vision for a lively, prosperous, sustainable and bilingual region. I hope it will serve as a great foundation on which to base a dialogue with people in the area about how we can best deliver for their needs and aspirations."

ELUNED MORGAN MEP, founder and Chair of Cymdeithas Cledwyn, added:

"This report is focussed on practical, deliverable solutions to some of the specific challenges faced by communities in western Wales. In particular, we want to see moves towards ensuring environmental sustainability is always a key consideration when addressing these challenges, and a real grassroots agenda to promoting the Welsh language."

Notes

• The report should not be presented as Labour Party policy. It is a series of ideas from Cymdeithas Cledwyn to address issues of concern in the Fro.
• The Fro: Winning votes in Welsh-speaking Wales was produced following consultation within the Labour Party and beyond. The consultation was launched at last year's National Eisteddfod, following the 2007 Assembly elections. A questionnaire was produced and its responses used as the basis for the report.
• Key members of the consultation committee included Albert Owen MP, Eluned Morgan MEP, Alun Davies AM, Meri Huws, Chair of the Welsh Language Board, and Gerald Parry, of T&G Unite.
• The report will be presented to Tecwyn Thomas, who will receive it on behalf of the Welsh Labour Party Executive, in Caernarfon on Friday 26th June at 10.00. Media are invited to attend.
• If accepted by the Executive, the report will be fed into the Welsh Labour Policy Forum, the process which will establish Labour Party policy for future elections. 

Ends