Deputy Minister, I also want to talk about the 2021 census data and put on record some of the findings that were recorded for us locally. Ringland, an area of Newport East heavily influenced by the nearby Llanwern steelworks since the 1960s, has 56.3 per cent of people identifying as Welsh only, but in terms of Welsh language skills, over 90 per cent of people there said they had no Welsh skills. And in Beechwood and other areas of the constituency, it is a similar situation. So, although language isn't the only factor, obviously, when people think about their Welshness, it is an important one that people will consider. Given some of the figures I've just referred to, we do need to look at some of the factors underlying that further.

It's why I very much welcome the ambition by Welsh Government to have 1 million Welsh speakers by 2050. In places like Newport, we need to understand the situation, and Newport is ready to play our part and help realise those targets set by the Welsh Government. Deputy Minister, I would be grateful if you could say a little more about how you and the Welsh Government can work with people in these areas and tap into the strong sense of Welshness that people feel, to in turn increase the Welsh language skills and Welsh culture in the area.

Newport City Council have a Welsh language plan, and are taking this issue very seriously. It will celebrate the Welsh language as part of our shared identity and increase opportunities for everyone to see, hear, learn and use our national language. The long-term aspiration is to increase the number of Welsh speakers, raise awareness, and increase visibility of the language across all our communities. They want to offer opportunities for those with all levels of Welsh to practise and speak the language in a safe, friendly and supportive environment, and to engage with those who might not be aware of the language or its benefits. At the launch of the council's 'Many faces of Welsh-ness' campaign, Janice Dent, policy and partnerships manager, said:

'It might be seen as a white British language but we are trying to engage all communities in Newport.'

This is an approach I very much welcome. At the same launch, Councillor Miqdad Al-Nuaimi, who represents Stow Hill, said:

'Quite a lot of ethnic minority people want their children to speak Welsh.'

This has been my experience as well. One of the co-founders of a football supporters group for Welsh south Asians called Amar Cymru, which has strong roots in Newport, Shah Alom, has been keen to relearn and take up Welsh in his spare time.

We have festivals in Newport including the Gŵyl Newydd. This is a new event for the people of Newport and beyond, taking place in September at the Riverfront theatre. It brings together a number of organisations and volunteers to provide a day of activities and performances. Groups include Cymdeithas Cymry Casnewydd, a Newport Welsh society organising regular meetings and celebrations for Welsh speakers and learners alike. They have an office in Newport market and offer a very wide offer for the people of the city. Another is Merched y Wawr, a group for women of all ages, Welsh speakers and learners. They meet regularly.