We should not relax the Welsh language policy

SAYS THE INCOMING PRESIDENT OF THE COURT AND CHAIR OF THE EISTEDDFOD'S MANAGEMENT BOARD

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THE National Eisteddfod has announced that Niclas Parry is the new President of the Court and Chair of the Management Board.

This was confirmed at yesterday's Court meeting following an open recruitment process. He succeeds Ashok Ahir, who was appointed in 2019.

Mr Parry was a solicitor in Mold before being appointed as a judge in the Crown Courts in North Wales. He is also well known as a football commentator and recently accompanied the Wales women’s team to the European Championship in Switzerland.

Upon taking up the role, he stated that he would fight against any suggestion of relaxing the Welsh language rule and is committed to working in a practical way that includes Eisteddfod participants. Mr Parry also promised to ensure transparency in the decisions of the Court and the Management Board.

“I have no doubt at all that we must remain faithful to the Welsh language rule. It is entirely possible to live for a week using Welsh without missing out at all, as the provision for non-Welsh speakers is better than ever” he said.

Mr Parry added that he was eager to put his name forward because he considers the role especially important in caring for one of our main institutions.

“It’s a role that needs to move with the times, and I thought I had the skills needed in the 21st century to do the job.

“It’s a mix of nervousness and pride too, and I look forward to committing to it and ensuring I carry it out in a practical way that, hopefully, includes Eisteddfod participants,’ he said.