Pugh must "get with the programme" on language issues - Burnham

4.04.34pm BST (GMT +0100) Mon 10th Jul 2006

Eleanor Burnham today challenged the Assembly's Culture Minister Alun Pugh to join the new consensus on Welsh language issues.

Speaking ahead of tomorrow's annual debate on Iaith Pawb, the Welsh Lib Dem spokesperson on the Welsh Language said:

"The Welsh Liberal Democrats launched Iaith Pawb in Partnership Government - based on cross-party consensus - and so we have a real concern for its progress.

"Alun Pugh was forced to delay plans to merge the Welsh Language Board after a public consultation. However he was told about the growing opposition to the plans over a year ago. Tomorrow he has a chance to get with the programme and join the consensus that is being re-built. I hope that he will seize that opportunity so that we can all work together in the future to push forward on language issues.

"Tomorrow we will be bringing forward two joint amendments with Plaid Cymru and the Conservatives calling for a review of language legislation and for the Welsh Language Board to be retained. We have put aside our differences to work together for the best interests of Wales - will the Minister now join us?

"The Welsh Liberal Democrats will tomorrow re-iterate our commitment to devolving language powers, and call for the principle of language rights to play a key part in government work towards a bi-lingual nation."

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