Ministry of Defence appoints first 'Welsh Language Champion' in bid to see more soldiers use language

The Ministry of Defence has appointed its first 'Welsh Language Champion' in bid to see more soldiers use the language.

The MoD has created the role to encourage the speaking of Welsh in the forces in a bid to strengthen engagement with rural communities across Wales.

Air Commodore Adrian Williams, the RAF's most senior officer in Wales, has been appointed with the aim of helping the Armed Forces work bilingually when needed.

He said: "As someone who was brought up in a Welsh-speaking household, and who went to a Welsh-speaking school, I have always been passionate about our native language and understand its central importance to people and communities across Wales.

"The publication of MoD's updated Welsh Language Scheme signifies our commitment to further strengthen our abilities to operate bilingually in Wales and I very much look forward to leading this work."

The Telegraph understands that there were no specific barriers or issues with regards to engaging with the Welsh speaking public.

However, the appointment was more of a “recognition of the importance of the Welsh language in Wales and that Defence can be a part of this too”.

A Government source added that the appointment provides “a focal point to the championing of the language and also highlights the diversity within the Armed Forces”.

The scheme will see information available in Welsh and English on Government websites and boost Welsh language posts on MoD social media accounts.

In the MoD’s Welsh Language Scheme document, which was revised in October this year, said their policies and initiatives will “support the use of the Welsh language to help the public in Wales to use it, wherever possible, as part of their day-to-day lives”.

The MoD said that the appointment of a language champion was “part of the commitment to a united nation and a recognition of the importance of the Welsh language”.