Will the Cabinet Secretary make a statement on support for ‘Y Cymro’ given current uncertainty around its long-term future? TAQ(5)0192(EI)

Thank you. ‘Y Cymro’ is funded through the Welsh Books Council, and I’d strongly advise any interested parties to discuss any future support with the Welsh Books Council. The Welsh Government does not get involved in the Welsh Books Council’s funding decisions.

Thank you for that response, Cabinet Secretary. After all, it’s extremely sad that ‘Y Cymro’, the only national newspaper available in the Welsh language, is facing such uncertainty and has had to close—hopefully temporarily—last Thursday. It’s encouraging that there’s a group of people, Cyfeillion Y Cymro, who are interested in its purchase, but, of course, there’s no assurance that the paper will continue for the future. The loss of the newspaper forever would be a huge loss, particularly given the important role that the paper has played over the years. ‘Y Cymro’ has been central in reflecting and reporting our history and the development of our culture and language for many years.

Now, naturally, I am aware that things change in terms of newspapers. Newspapers are declining and the world is becoming digital and multiplatform, but safeguarding journalism through the medium of Welsh is still crucially important. After all, the Government funds the ‘papurau bro’. Our ‘papurau bro’ receive public funds and are extremely prosperous. That’s a success story. So, in addition to what you’ve already suggested in terms of the Welsh Books Council, could I ask the Cabinet Secretary whether he would be willing to get to grips with this issue personally and perhaps meet with the people who are seeking a solution to keep ‘Y Cymro’ going in the long term? Thank you.

Can I thank Dai Lloyd again for bringing this issue to the Chamber’s attention? I am most sympathetic to the current uncertainty regarding ‘Y Cymro’. I actually started my journalistic career working alongside journalists on ‘Y Cymro’ back in the days when it was owned by North Wales Newspapers and based out of headquarters in Mold. It has had for many years incredible, committed, talented staff, and it would be tragic if the publication were to be lost forever. It has gone through a number of owners over many years. It started out as a slightly different publication in the nineteenth century, so it has incredible heritage.

My understanding is that the ‘Y Cymro’ grant from the Welsh Books Council stood at approximately £18,000 for a number of years, and, in fact, ‘Y Cymro’ did not request an increase in the grant it was receiving from the Welsh Books Council. I understand that there has been interest from some groups, but there is no confirmation yet that it has been sold. Discussions have taken place between Cyfeillion y Cymro and Tindle, and we understand that they will be meeting with the Welsh Books Council before the end of this week. I would urge any prospective purchaser and owner to engage fully with the Welsh Books Council with a view to securing a level of grant that would enable the publication to continue, if it is possible to save the publication in its current form. I would also offer that any potential purchaser and any potential future managers of the publication seek, at the earliest opportunity, support from Business Wales. That support can come in the form of advice, and it may come in the form of further signposting towards financial support. As I say, I think it would be a sad day for ‘Y Cymro’ to be lost forever, and, certainly, I’ll be keen to follow the progress that potential interested parties make in the coming weeks.

Diolch.