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Welsh language activists blockade Assembly

A sit-in protest by language activists caused disruption at the Welsh government’s headquarters in Cardiff yesterday. 

Six members of Cymdeithas yr Iaith Gymraeg (Welsh Language Society) held a symobolic blockade of the main entrance for almost three hours. 

They swooped on the offices at around 8am and left voluntarily shortly before noon. 

The action was an escalation of their campaign demanding urgent action from First Minister Carwyn Jones to save the Welsh language, which was shown to be declining in heartland areas in last year’s census. 

The group’s chairman Robin Farrar was arrested on Thursday for spray-painting the Welsh words for “act” and “6 things” on the government offices. 

Cymdeithas spokesman Toni Schiavone: “We’ve had a stomach-full of waiting for a clear and firm response to the census from Carwyn Jones. 

“His lack of action is leading to a political crisis.”

The group want Mr Jones to adopt its six-point rescue plan, including Welsh schooling for all, increased funding for language schemes and a planning system that protects Welsh language communities. 

Each of the people protesting yesterday held a sign with one of the six demands. 

“With political will things can change for the better, but to date the government’s response has been laughable,” Mr Schiavone added. 

“A new website and an app is not a good enough response to the crisis.

“Hopefully our protests will spur them to act.”

A Welsh government spokeswoman said the main reception had remained open despite what she recognised as a “peaceful protest.”

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