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Welsh language
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The National Assembly for Wales (Official Languages) Bill became law when the First Minister of Wales, Carwyn Jones applied the Welsh Seal to the letters patent, which were signed with Her Majesty’s own hand to signify Her Assent, and notified to the Clerk of the National Assembly.
The First Minister of Wales, Carwyn Jones, who is also Keeper of the Welsh Seal, said:
“When the people of Wales voted in last year’s referendum to grant primary law making powers to the National Assembly, I said Wales is an old country, but a young democracy.
"Today is a historic day for us as a nation. It heralds the beginning of a new era for the Governance of Wales.
“In the months and years ahead, I look forward to our ambitious legislative programme receiving Royal Assent so that we can continue to deliver our commitments to make Wales the prosperous, healthy, dynamic country we all want it to be.”
The Presiding Officer of the National Assembly for Wales, Rosemary Butler AM said:
“In March 2011 the people of Wales gave their overwhelming support to the Assembly receiving full law-making powers.”
“Today, the First ever Act of the National Assembly for Wales receives Royal Assent. How fitting it is that our first Act as a full law-making body will confer equal status on the Welsh and English languages in the proceedings of the Assembly.
“Just fifteen years ago, it would have been unthinkable for politicians elected by Welsh voters to draft such legislation and put it on the statute books within such a short space of time.
“We should all truly feel the hand of history on us today, a day when the Assembly has fulfilled the mandate given to it by the people of Wales in 2011, which is to make Welsh laws.”
