I’m aware of the brilliant work that Menter Iaith Casnewydd are doing in Newport for the Welsh language. The £60,000 in grant funding that we provide to Menter Iaith goes towards promoting and increasing the use of Welsh in Newport communities, and I know that one of their priorities is to increase the use of Welsh amongst families, and to provide more opportunities for children and young people to use their Welsh outside of the school, as well as increasing opportunities for the wider community and learners to use their Welsh. The Menter Iaith has opened a unit in a prominent position in the market with the intention of being a focal point for Welsh language and culture on Newport High Street. As well as holding numerous activities organised by the Menter, such as after-school clubs for children, it’s also a space that can be used by local community groups and is suitable for performances, holding hybrid meetings, and also contains a display area that is open to organisations, schools, artists, business and local groups. The Menter Iaith has also established a number of community groups where people come together to use their Welsh, and with the help of the Menter Iaith, these groups are now able to operate by themselves.

So, to conclude, Dirprwy Lywydd, as I often say when I’m asked, I am English by birth, but I am Welsh by choice, and like others, I am very proud of our Welsh heritage, culture and language, and how this contributes to our sense of Welsh identity, which we see in Newport and which has been so passionately expressed by Members representing that city here in the Senedd, and which is, and will continue to be, supported by this Welsh Government. Diolch yn fawr iawn.