MPs will be given the chance to speak Welsh in parliamentary debates in the Palace of Westminster for the first time this year.

Welsh is currently only permitted to be spoken by MPs in Westminster parliamentary proceedings when the Welsh Affairs select committee is taking evidence.

The UK Government confirmed today that it will bring forward a motion in Government time allowing MPs to speak in Welsh when the Welsh Grand Committee meets in Westminster.

Making proceedings of the Welsh Grand Committee bilingual means that the Welsh language will be used for short debates, legislative scrutiny and the questioning of ministers in Westminster for the first time ever.

The cost of the translation services – both interpreters and headsets - will be absorbed within Parliament’s existing budgets, meaning this change takes place at no extra cost to the taxpayer.