WELSH Conservatives will achieve two firsts this week - underlining their commitment to increasing use of the Welsh language.
The party will today hold its first Assembly group media briefing in both Welsh and English, while this weekend they will provide a Welsh language translation service at their party conference for the first time.
Shadow Heritage Minister and Preseli Pembrokeshire AM Paul Davies said both are important developments for the party.
This weekend's party conference, which is being held at Venue Cymru in Llandudno, will allow speakers to use Welsh with simultaneous translation into English.
A number of Welsh speakers are due to address the conference. Welsh learners, including Assembly Members, are also being encouraged to include Welsh in their conference speeches.
Conference will also pay tribute to Lord Roberts of Conwy, who as a Government minister played a lead role in establishing S4C, introducing the Welsh Language Act, and setting up the Welsh Language Board.
Lord Roberts retired from frontbench politics last year after 37 years in top flight politics.
Shadow Heritage Minister and Preseli Pembrokeshire AM Paul Davies said:
"These are important developments for the Welsh Conservative Party which underlines our commitment to the Welsh language.
"As a party we want to increase the use of Welsh in everything we do. Providing Welsh language translations at conference and in our media briefings are important parts of that.
"Welsh Conservatives are proud of our achievements in strengthening and promoting the Welsh language.
"Providing Welsh language translation at conference builds on that and gives Welsh speakers to address colleagues in the language of their choice."
Welsh Conservative Assembly leader Nick Bourne AM said:
"The Conservative Party has a proud record when it comes to the Welsh language.
"We have always supported the language. Indeed many of the biggest developments in the language's recent history have come about because of decisions taken by Conservative governments.
"I am delighted we are providing this important facility for our conference delegates when we meet in Llandudno at the weekend.
"It will allow colleagues to speak in both languages of Wales for the very first time.
"I am also keen to ensure we hold more of our Assembly press briefings in Welsh wherever possible.
"These are important statements for the party - and an important statement on our commitment to the language."
