7. Statement by the Minister for Education and Welsh Language: Sustainable Communities for Learning

Part of the debate – in the Senedd at 5:10 pm on 17 January 2023.

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Photo of Jeremy Miles Jeremy Miles Labour 5:10, 17 January 2023

(Translated)

I can't make any comments in terms of specific decisions with regard to the case that the Member spoke about. I know that she campaigned, and Plaid Cymru local election candidates campaigned on the basis that the school shouldn't go ahead. Now, Plaid is in co-control of the council, and that was not the decision that the council made, and I understand that.

In terms of the case in the High Court, as the Member says, there was a very important conversation had with regard to the impact on the Welsh language. As the Member knows, a specific assessment was made by the Government with regard to what should be done to mitigate the impacts, and there's an opportunity for the council under the co-leadership of Plaid Cymru to take those steps if it is possible for them to do that.

We need to ensure that, at every stage, when any council seeks investment from the Welsh Government, the needs of their strategic plans have been met, and also that the impact on the Welsh language has been fully considered. So, that is already part of the arrangements that we have in place.