Welsh First Minister Mark Drakeford speaking to the media in London, following his announcement that he is standing down as Labour leader, December 20, 2023
WELSH language campaigners demanded the reversal of “severe and damaging” cuts to the publishing sector today.
Cymdeithas yr Iaith (the Welsh Language Society) wrote an open letter to Welsh language cabinet secretary Mark Drakeford about the cuts.
According to the Books Council for Wales (BCW), the cuts to its budget for Welsh-language publications are equivalent to 40 per cent in real terms over the last 10 years.
Cymdeithas yr Iaith’s Joseff Gnagbo said: “The contribution of writers and poets and the publishing sector is essential to the future of the Welsh language and Welsh culture.”
Mr Gnagbo explained that the Welsh-language publishing sector was vital to achieving the Welsh government’s goals of one million Welsh speakers by 2050.
Cymdeithas yr Iaith urged Mr Drakeford to restore the level of funding for Welsh publishers to its 2010 level and to protect this budget in the coming years.
A Welsh government spokesperson said spending decisions were being finalised in the government’s draft Budget.
