Tories bid for bilingual Wales

The Welsh Conservatives have called for Welsh to be given official language status, as part of a series of moves aimed at creating a bilingual nation.

The party also wants to see the appointment of an independent language commissioner and a review of the Welsh Language Act - introduced in 1993.

A language commissioner would be independent from government and would regulate and enforce legislation on behalf of both Welsh and English speakers.

The commissioner would also act in an advisory capacity to ensure the spirit of new legislation is adhered to.

The Welsh Tories said they intended to retain a streamlined version of the Welsh Language Board, which would work alongside the new commissioner.

Labour wants to get rid of the board and transfer its functions to the assembly government.

The party pointed out that under existing legislation, Welsh does not have official language status with English.

Instead, the 1993 Welsh Language Act refers to Welsh and English being treated "equally" but only under limited circumstances such as in public business and in the courts.

Welsh Tory spokesman Lisa Francis said giving Welsh official language status would be a hugely symbolic move which would also make it the cornerstone of future legislation.

She added: "Welsh Conservatives are committed to increasing the use of Welsh in all spheres of life.

"As it stands English is the de facto official language of Wales. Conservatives want to give Welsh that same status, enshrined in law.

"If we are seeking to review existing legislation, then giving Welsh official language status would be the starting point for strengthening both the law and future of the language."