Part of 2. Questions to the Minister for International Relations and Welsh Language – in the Senedd at 2:23 pm on 20 November 2019.
Thank you very much. Last year, Undeb Myfyrwyr Cymraeg Caerdydd was launched, a significant development in terms of the Welsh language in the field of higher education, and I had a meeting yesterday with two of the union's leaders, Wil Rees and Jacob Morris. Last autumn, there was strong support by Cardiff University students in their annual meeting for the next step, which was to create an elected officer role, salaried and full-time, for the Welsh language, who would also be president of this new union. And, in December, the university students union trustees board confirmed that the role would be in place by spring of 2020. However, unfortunately, on the eve of this year’s annual meeting, it has become apparent that there's been a u-turn on plans to establish this salaried post for Welsh language students. A similar post exists, as you know, in Bangor, Aberystwyth and Swansea. The union board risks creating hostility towards the Welsh language by stating that there is a need to abolish provision for other groups in order to ensure appropriate provision for the Welsh language. Could you confirm that you're aware of this situation and that you share my concerns regarding the latest developments? And, if so, can you commit to correspond urgently with the college authorities and the union before their annual meeting tomorrow evening?