News

Welsh language strategy under scrutiny amid calls for clearer direction

Published

12 months ago

December 17, 2024

SAMUEL KURTZ MS, Shadow Cabinet Secretary for the Welsh Language, has urged the Welsh Government to rethink its approach to the ambitious Cymraeg 2050 target following concerns raised in a recent Senedd report.

The Cymraeg 2050 strategy aims to see one million Welsh speakers by the middle of this century, but doubts have been cast over its viability. The Young People and Education Committee’s findings highlight challenges such as a stagnation in the number of Welsh-speaking teachers and a decline in the use of the language among young people.

Mr Kurtz, who represents Carmarthen West and South Pembrokeshire, has joined calls for the Welsh Government to reassess its plans. He said:

“The Welsh Conservatives have long called for a clearer strategy from the Welsh Government to achieve their Cymraeg 2050 target.

“With the number of Welsh speakers declining over the past two decades, it is essential that this trend is reversed. Given the stagnation in the number of Welsh-speaking teachers and the decreasing use of Welsh among young people, the Welsh Government must review why their current plans for Cymraeg 2050 are clearly not working and make the necessary adjustments.”

A Pembrokeshire perspective

In Pembrokeshire, where the heritage of the Welsh language runs deep, the debate is particularly significant. Local communities have seen varied success in maintaining Cymraeg. Welsh-medium education has grown in some areas, with schools such as Ysgol Caer Elen in Haverfordwest playing a vital role, but concerns remain about its accessibility across the county.

Historically, Pembrokeshire has been viewed as a ‘linguistic frontier’, where the Welsh language coexists with English in a delicate balance. Rural areas have held on to their linguistic traditions, but urbanisation and demographic shifts pose challenges.

One key issue lies in the teaching workforce. Without enough Welsh-speaking teachers to inspire and educate the next generation, achieving Cymraeg 2050 becomes increasingly difficult. Calls have also been made for more immersive Welsh-language opportunities outside the classroom to foster the use of Cymraeg in day-to-day life.

Why Cymraeg 2050 matters

At the heart of Cymraeg 2050 is a vision to not only preserve Welsh but to make it a living, thriving language. Campaigners argue that a robust strategy is essential to ensure the language remains relevant for future generations, particularly in areas like Pembrokeshire where cultural heritage is so closely tied to Cymraeg.

Supporters of the target highlight its potential to strengthen community identity and boost economic opportunities, from tourism to creative industries, where bilingualism is a growing asset.

Achievable or aspirational?

While the ambition of Cymraeg 2050 is widely praised, questions linger over whether it is achievable without significant policy changes. Critics argue that without a comprehensive, well-funded strategy addressing education, infrastructure, and community engagement, the target risks being little more than an aspiration.

For Pembrokeshire, the challenge is clear: to celebrate and protect its Welsh-speaking communities while creating opportunities for growth and engagement in Cymraeg for all.

Mr Kurtz’s call for action adds to the mounting pressure on the Welsh Government to deliver a plan that works – not just for now, but for generations to come.

For Pembrokeshire and beyond, the stakes are high. Achieving one million Welsh speakers is about more than just numbers – it’s about ensuring a future where the language continues to live and thrive, from the rural villages of North Pembrokeshire to the bustling streets of Milford Haven.

Crime

Man charged with strangulation and assault offences after October incident

Published

10 hours ago

December 14, 2025

Court Reporter

A MAN recorded in court as having no fixed abode has appeared before magistrates charged with intentional strangulation and two further assault offences.

Michael Sudbury, 50, whose address was not read out in court, but in Herald records is Glan Hafan, Llangwm, appeared before the bench facing multiple charges.

The charges relate to an incident on 22 October 2025 and include:

Intentional strangulation, contrary to section 75A of the Serious Crime Act 2015
Common assault
Assault by beating

No further details of the alleged incident were opened in court, and no plea was entered at this stage.

Sudbury was remanded on conditional bail, with the case listed to return to magistrates later this month.

Crime

Haverfordwest man sent to Crown Court on multiple serious charges

Published

11 hours ago

December 14, 2025

Court Reporter

Defendant remanded in custody

A HAVERFORDWEST man has been sent to Swansea Crown Court to stand trial on a series of A 49-year-old Haverfordwest resident has been committed to Swansea Crown Court to face trial on multiple serious charges deemed too grave for magistrates to handle.

David Guy, of Market Street, Haverfordwest, appeared before Haverfordwest magistrates facing a series of allegations stemming from a single case. The charges, which were not detailed in open court, include:

Assault occasioning actual bodily harm (ABH)
A second count of assault
Criminal damage
An additional allegation of interpersonal violence
A public order offence

Magistrates declined jurisdiction, determining that the matters exceeded their sentencing powers, and sent the case in its entirety to Swansea Crown Court.

Guy was remanded in custody pending his next appearance. The court register notes: “Sent to Crown Court for trial in custody – next hearing at Swansea Crown Court.”

A date for the initial Crown Court hearing will be set administratively. Guy will remain in custody until then.

The Pembrokeshire Herald will provide further updates as the case progresses in the Crown Court.

Crime

Castlemartin man back before magistrates over multiple alleged assaults

Published

11 hours ago

December 14, 2025

Court Reporter

Defendant remanded on conditional bail ahead of further hearing

A CASTLEMARTIN man has appeared repeatedly before magistrates this month over a string A 40-year-old man from Castlemartin has made repeated appearances before magistrates this month in connection with a series of serious alleged offences, including assault occasioning actual bodily harm (ABH), intentional non-fatal strangulation, common assault, and criminal damage.

Anthony Alcock, of Pwll Street, Castlemartin, is facing six linked charges stemming from incidents said to have occurred earlier this year. These appear to relate to the same complainant in what is understood to be a single ongoing domestic abuse prosecution.

During recent administrative hearings at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court, Alcock did not enter pleas while matters of bail and case management were addressed.

Charges Include:

Assault occasioning actual bodily harm (ABH)
Intentional non-fatal strangulation
Common assault on a woman
Criminal damage in a domestic context
Additional assault allegations involving the same complainant
Breach of bail conditions

Alcock was initially granted conditional bail but was subsequently brought before the court on two occasions for alleged breaches. On those instances, magistrates remanded him in custody ahead of further hearings. He was later re-granted conditional bail, subject to strict conditions such as no contact with the complainant and exclusion from specified locations.

Magistrates have now declined jurisdiction, ruling that the case—particularly the more serious charges involving non-fatal strangulation—is too grave for summary trial. It has been committed to Swansea Crown Court for plea, trial, or sentencing.

No detailed evidence has been presented in open court at this preliminary stage. Alcock remains on conditional bail pending his next appearance at the Crown Court.