Shropshire Star

Historic moment as MPs speak Welsh

Wednesday marked an historic day for MPs as speakers in Westminster spoke in the Welsh language in a debate for the first time.

Published
Montgomeryshire MP Glyn Davies

A Welsh Grand Committee meeting to discuss last November's budget was the first to use translation facilities, after the rules had been relaxed.

It was the first time the Welsh Grand, which consists of 40 Welsh MPs, and several other MPs, has met for two years.

They discussed measures that had been announced by the chancellor Philip Hammond in the latest budget.

Montgomeryshire MP Glyn Davies described it as an historic day but admitted it was a bit of a challenge.

He said on social media: "Historic day in Westminster.

"First time ever that MPs have been allowed to speak in the Welsh Language. Some of us took advantage. I did. It was a bit of a challenge. Wrote myself some notes - but in English so I wasn’t drawn into reading.

"Great to have Kevin Brennan and David TC Davies doing the same. Yr Iaith Cymraeg has finally arrived in Westminster.

The move on using different languages follows a UK Government decision last year to support the use of Welsh in parliamentary debates.

Welsh Secretary of State Alun Cairns added: "I am proud to be using the language I grew up speaking, which is not only important to me, my family and the communities Welsh MPs represent, but is also an integral part of Welsh history and culture," he said.

"This is a historic day for Parliament and for Wales, and I pay tribute to those in the committee who have campaigned for this change over many years."