Language activists warn proposal could undermine long-term support for Welsh

CAMPAIGNERS have warned that proposals by the Nigel Farage-led Reform UK to scrap Wales’ target of one million Welsh speakers by 2050 could place the language at risk.

The comments came during the launch of Reform’s Welsh manifesto in Newport on Thursday (Mar 5), where Farage and the party’s Welsh leader Dan Thomas set out their plans for the language.

The party says it would remove what it describes as “arbitrary” targets for the number of Welsh speakers, arguing that the language is already growing naturally.

Farage told supporters that Welsh appeared to be “thriving” in parts of the country and said younger generations were increasingly learning and using the language.

He argued that Welsh culture and language should be allowed to develop organically rather than being driven by official targets or public bodies.

Questions were also raised at the event about the future of the Welsh Language Commissioner. Farage suggested there was no clear need for additional “quangos” if the language continued to grow through public interest.

However, campaign group Cymdeithas yr Iaith said the proposals demonstrate a misunderstanding of the current challenges facing the language.

Chairman Owain Meirion said it was wrong to describe Welsh as thriving when the proportion of speakers has fallen in recent census results.

According to campaigners, around 17.8 per cent of people in Wales currently report being able to speak Welsh, with the overall proportion declining over the past two censuses.

They warned that removing the 2050 target of one million speakers could weaken long-term support for the language and the communities where it is most widely spoken.

Campaigners also pointed out that the manifesto includes relatively few references to Welsh beyond cultural pledges.

Reform has said it would continue supporting events such as the National Eisteddfod and would press the UK Government to maintain funding for the Welsh-language broadcaster S4C.

Despite this, Cymdeithas yr Iaith warned that the wider approach set out in the manifesto could weaken existing structures designed to protect and promote the language.

Farage also used the Newport event to claim that Reform could challenge the long-standing dominance of the Welsh Labour in Welsh politics.

The party says its manifesto represents a plan for significant political change ahead of the next Welsh election.

Language campaigners, however, say the debate highlights continuing tensions over how best to protect the future of Welsh while ensuring policies reflect the realities facing communities across Wales.

THE WELSH LANGUAGE COMMISSIONER has published a major five-year report examining the state of the Welsh language and identifying priorities to strengthen its future.

The report, released last week (Mar 3), reviews developments between 2021 and 2025 and sets out what the next Welsh Government must do to increase the number of Welsh speakers and double the language’s daily use.

Commissioner Efa Gruffudd Jones said decisive and ambitious action would be required if Wales is to achieve the long-term goal of reaching one million Welsh speakers by 2050.

The report identifies three key opportunities where progress could make the greatest difference:

• Creating confident Welsh speakers through the education system
• Strengthening the use of Welsh within communities
• Developing workplaces that support the use of Welsh

Within these themes, the report outlines ten specific priorities aimed at strengthening the position of the language over the next five years.

The analysis draws heavily on the results of the 2021 Census, which recorded 538,296 Welsh speakers across Wales, and examines longer-term trends to understand the challenges facing the language. Our time to act – embargo 3 Mar…

According to the Commissioner, while the number of speakers has remained relatively stable for decades, population growth and inward migration mean the overall proportion of Welsh speakers has declined, placing additional pressure on the language.

Speaking ahead of the 2026 Senedd election, Efa Gruffudd Jones said the next Welsh Government must take stronger action.

“I am publishing this report as we approach the 2026 Senedd election, which will be a significant moment in our history as a nation,” she said.

“For the first time, 96 Members of the Senedd will represent the people of Wales through a new electoral system and new constituencies – many with Welsh-only names. That is a symbolic sign of national confidence and pride in our language.

“But symbolism is not enough. The next Welsh Government must act purposefully and positively in support of the Welsh language. Only bold interventions will transform the current situation if we are serious about doubling daily use and reaching a million Welsh speakers by 2050.”

The report is structured in three parts. The first analyses the 2021 Census results and what they reveal about the health of the language. The second focuses on policies aimed at creating more Welsh speakers, particularly through education and early years provision. The third examines how to increase everyday use of the language in communities and workplaces. Our time to act – embargo 3 Mar…

Among the recommendations are calls for stronger Welsh-language training requirements for teachers, greater support for Welsh-speaking communities, and a national strategy to encourage the use of Welsh in workplaces.

The Commissioner said the report is intended to provide an evidence-based foundation for action during the next Senedd term.

“I have great ambition for the Welsh language and its speakers,” she said.

“I want to see a Wales where living through the medium of Welsh is a genuine, everyday choice for people, and I will remain unwavering in my commitment to achieving that.”

The full report, titled Our time to act: The position of the Welsh language 2021–25, has been published by the Welsh Language Commissioner.

Welsh youth icon to be celebrated with music release, Aberystwyth artwork and St David’s Day events

ONE of Wales’ most recognisable youth icons is marking a major milestone this year as Urdd Gobaith Cymru launches celebrations to mark the 50th anniversary of Mistar Urdd.

The red, white and green mascot — created in 1976 — has become synonymous with the Urdd and its mission to inspire children and young people through the medium of Welsh. To launch the anniversary year, the organisation has unveiled a series of projects including a newly recorded version of the anthem Hei Mistar Urdd!, a large public mural in Aberystwyth, and a community celebration linked to St David’s Day.

The new recording, released on Thursday (Feb 20), features singer-songwriter Aleighcia Scott alongside Dom James and Lloyd, with backing vocals by Mared Williams. The track has been newly arranged by Morgan Elwy and recorded at the iconic Sain studios in Llandwrog — the same studio where the original version was produced almost half a century ago.

Siân Lewis, Chief Executive of Urdd Gobaith Cymru, said the anniversary was a moment of pride for the organisation and for Wales.

“Mistar Urdd has remained close to the hearts of the people of Wales for 50 years, and that is something to be proud of,” she said. “The character has evolved into a symbol of hope and represents the friendship, fun and pride that we share with children and young people across the country.

“Over the decades, Mistar Urdd has travelled to space, helped the Urdd break a Guinness World Record, greeted presidents and prime ministers, and even lent his name to a brand-new train. He also plays a key role in opening doors to the Welsh language and showing that the Urdd belongs to everyone.”

Aleighcia Scott said she was honoured to be part of the new recording.

“It’s an absolute privilege to be part of the new version of Hei Mistar Urdd! — what an icon, what an anthem,” she said. “As a Welsh learner, I love the work the Urdd does to inspire children and young people across Wales, and it’s been a joy to celebrate that spirit through this song.”

Kev Tame, Chief Executive of Sain, said the collaboration continued a long-standing partnership between the label and the Urdd.

“The anthem was originally released on Sain in 1977, and we are very proud to release this new version almost 50 years later,” he said.

The anniversary programme also includes a major public mural in Aberystwyth, due to be unveiled on Wednesday (Feb 25). The artwork has been designed by internationally recognised Welsh artist Pete Fowler — known for his work with the Super Furry Animals — with support from Cardiff-based creative studio UNIFY.

Pete Fowler said: “Mistar Urdd brings a smile to everyone’s face, and it was a pleasure to reimagine him for this milestone. I wanted to create something colourful and joyful that feels contemporary while respecting the character’s history.”

The Aberystwyth celebrations will also include school visits by Aleighcia Scott and a live performance of the new anthem at the mural site, with Mistar Urdd making a special appearance. The event has received support from the Welsh Government’s St David’s Day Fund.

First Minister Eluned Morgan said: “Mistar Urdd has been a part of so many childhoods in Wales and it is heartwarming to see him inspiring the next generation. This project shows how creativity, education and community can come together to celebrate who we are as a nation.”

Mistar Urdd was originally created by Wynne Melville Jones shortly after he became the Urdd’s publicity officer. By adding arms, legs and a face to the organisation’s triangular logo, he brought to life a character that would grow into a national symbol of Welsh youth and inclusivity.

Reflecting on the anniversary, Wyn Mel said: “Fifty years later, Mistar Urdd is still a firm favourite among the country’s children and young people. I can say hand on heart that all the hard work has paid off.”

Further anniversary activities are expected to be announced throughout the year.