In a Senedd debate to mark St. David’s Day, James Evans MS made his first Parliamentary contribution in Welsh.
Evans, a Welsh learner, began by speaking in Welsh and quoted the bard Eifion Wyn, saying 'Cymru fach i mi— / Bro y llus a'r llynnoedd / Corlan y mynyddoedd / Hawdd ei charu hi.'
Evans also spoke about the importance of Welsh-speaking communities across Brecon & Radnorshire. He finished his speech, in English, by saying, “I encourage every Welsh learner right across Wales to siarad Cymraeg—speak in Welsh—enjoy the language. And if we all speak Welsh, I'm sure the language will grow and we'll get more Welsh speakers right across our great nation.”
James said:
“Speaking in Welsh was probably the most nerve-racking thing I've ever had to do in the Senedd!
“As a learner, I want to encourage other learners to get out there and use the language as much as they can.
“Lots more needs to be done to promote Cymraeg, including improving provision of Welsh-medium education.”
