Welsh language LCO takes another step forward – next stop, Westminster

4 November 2009

Wales has taken another step towards legislative powers over the Welsh language.

The National Assembly for Wales today (3 Nov) approved the draft Legislative Competence (Welsh Language) Order 2009 which will enable the Assembly to draw down powers from Westminster.

The next step will see the Welsh Secretary Peter Hain present the draft LCO to the House of Commons and House of Lords for approval.

The proposed Welsh Language LCO was first put forward by Heritage Minister Alun Ffred Jones AM in February of this year.

After a five month inquiry Legislation Committee No.5 concluded National Assembly for Wales should have the broadest scope for legislative power possible over the welsh language. It took evidence from, among others, the Welsh Language Board, CBI, BT Cymru, Cymdeithas yr Iaith Gymraeg plus other voluntary sector organisations and business representatives.

Once the LCO is approved by Westminster, the Assembly will be able to legislate on the matter of the Welsh Language. The Welsh Government has already announced its plans to bring forward a proposed Measure on the Welsh language before summer 2010.

Extra information

More information on the National Assembly for Wales (Legislative Competence) (Welsh Language) Order 2009 can be found here.

The Assembly’s legal services have prepared a briefing note on the differences between the draft Order and the proposed Order as scrutinised by the legislation Committee:

http://www.assemblywales.org/bus-home/bus-chamber/bus-chamber-third-assembly-agendas.htm?act=dis&id=150423&ds=11/2009

A guide to the Legislative Competence Order process can be found here.