—the 2021 census figures do show a decline in the numbers of Welsh speakers. And it is important that we are honest about the causes and solutions to this. 

The Conservative Government, under Margaret Thatcher, created S4C in 1982, bringing the Welsh language to homes in Wales as well as making the Welsh language equal with the English language. Now, 25 years of Labour and Plaid control haven't brought the Welsh language closer to the people of Wales and, indeed, there have been some retrograde steps. Because of this, the aspiration of a bilingual nation hasn't become a reality because of the failure of successive Governments here. Rather than continuing with the old order, the Welsh Conservatives are calling for the Welsh language to become a language used on a daily basis, rather than something that is consistently run by quangos and usually isn't appropriate to the culture of places like Rhyl and Prestatyn in the Vale of Clwyd. This is the best way for learners to develop confidence and to make the Welsh language a part of the identity of everyone in Wales, not just the first language speakers. Thank you very much.