## Senedd Unanimously Approves Landmark Bill to Boost Welsh Language Learning
In a moment widely described as “truly historic”, Members of the Senedd have given their unanimous backing to a new law aiming to significantly advance the learning and everyday use of the Welsh language in schools across Wales. The Welsh language education bill, which was approved on 14 May, is set to transform the approach to language learning for pupils, with the long-term ambition that every child will leave compulsory education as a confident Welsh speaker.
The bill’s passage marks a major development in the ongoing campaign to preserve and revitalise the Welsh language. It follows robust debates and growing public interest about increasing linguistic diversity and cultural identity within Welsh society. Cabinet minister Mark Drakeford heralded the bill as a breakthrough for education, workforce opportunities, and for Welsh culture itself.
Under the new measures, Welsh education will be categorised into three distinct types of schools: primarily Welsh, dual language, and primarily English with partial Welsh education. Each category will have specific targets regarding the level of Welsh language teaching they are required to provide. Proponents of the bill believe these measures will make Welsh more accessible to children of all backgrounds and from all areas of the country.
A particularly noteworthy aspect of the legislation is the formal commitment to increase the number of Welsh speakers. The target to ensure at least one million Welsh speakers by the middle of this century will now be enshrined in law. Further, the bill provides for the creation of the National Welsh Language Learning Institute, which is expected to play a pivotal role in teacher training, curriculum development, and innovative approaches to language education.
Mr Drakeford emphasised that the changes set in motion by the bill will not happen overnight, urging patience and sustained effort. Speaking to Senedd members, he highlighted the importance of aligning with international standards such as the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages, which will underpin efforts to achieve consistent and measurable language proficiency among pupils.
Support for the legislation crossed party lines. Conservative representative Tom Giffard conveyed his party’s full backing during the final vote, underlining the critical importance of maintaining momentum towards the language goals outlined. He also pointed to concerns that future political changes could threaten ongoing progress, referencing the need for continued vigilance and broad political support in the years ahead.
Cefin Campbell, representing Plaid Cymru and noted as one of the architects of the initiative during the former cooperation agreement with Labour, called the moment a significant milestone. He expressed optimism about reaching a million speakers by 2050 but cautioned that the challenge ahead resembles “a mountain to climb”. He added, however, that mountains are there to be scaled, encouraging “language boots” to be donned for the journey ahead.
As the bill completes its journey through the Senedd, attention now turns to royal assent, expected in the coming months. Observers note there is little expectation of legal opposition from the UK Government, paving the way for the law’s implementation without delay.
The passing of the Welsh language education bill has been broadly welcomed by educational professionals, language campaigners, and community leaders alike. They see it as a vital step in both safeguarding and promoting the Welsh language for generations to come, while also enriching the educational and professional horizons of young people throughout Wales.
While the task of revitalising a language such as Welsh presents significant challenges, including resource allocation, teacher capacity, and public engagement, the bill’s supporters argue that the necessary infrastructure is now being put in place to secure its future. The story of the Welsh language, they say, is entering an important new chapter—one written by educators, learners, and communities across the nation.