This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.
You can find the current article at its original source at http://www.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/int/news/-/news/uk-wales-politics-15186747
The article has changed 5 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.
| Version 0 | Version 1 |
|---|---|
| Language board chief Meri Huws is Welsh commissioner | Language board chief Meri Huws is Welsh commissioner |
| (40 minutes later) | |
| The chairwoman of the Welsh Language Board has been appointed as the first Welsh language commissioner. | The chairwoman of the Welsh Language Board has been appointed as the first Welsh language commissioner. |
| Meri Huws will act as a champion for the Welsh language, First Minister Carwyn Jones has said. | Meri Huws will act as a champion for the Welsh language, First Minister Carwyn Jones has said. |
| Her new job was created as part of legislation to place duties on bodies to provide services in Welsh. | Her new job was created as part of legislation to place duties on bodies to provide services in Welsh. |
| The commissioner will have enforcement powers intended to protect the rights of Welsh speakers to get services in Welsh. | The commissioner will have enforcement powers intended to protect the rights of Welsh speakers to get services in Welsh. |
| She said she was "delighted" to have been appointed to the "hugely important role". | |
| "I look forward to working with the Welsh government and organisations in Wales in developing the new system of standards," she said. | |
| People's freedom | |
| "I will look to build on the good work that has been done by the Welsh Language Board and others to strengthen the Welsh language and ensure that it continues to thrive." | |
| The Welsh government said there was a strong field of candidates. | |
| The post was established by legislation passed by the assembly last year which obliges public bodies and some private companies, such as utilities firms, to provide services in Welsh. | |
| The legislation replaced the 1993 Welsh Language Act that created the board. The board is being wound up. | |
| The commissioner will be able to launch investigations where there is an attempt to interfere with people's freedom to speak Welsh. | |
| 'Experience' | |
| As well as regulating the system, Ms Huws will have a duty to promote and facilitate the use of Welsh. | |
| Mr Jones said: "She brings a wealth of experience and enthusiasm to this new role and will be an excellent champion for the Welsh language. | |
| "This important new post will be critical to delivering the Welsh government's vision of a thriving and vibrant Welsh language." | |
| Carmarthen-born Ms Huws is a former chair of pressure group Cymdeithas yr Iaith Gymraeg (The Welsh Language Society) and Labour Party member. Since 2009 she has been pro-vice chancellor at the University of Trinity St David. |