UK Parliament works in partnership with the Urdd National Eisteddfod at Cardiff Bay
28 May 2019
The UK Parliament is contributing to a prestigious debating competition at this year's Urdd National Eisteddfod – an annual Welsh language youth festival – in Cardiff Bay from 27 May to 1 June.
Background
The Eisteddfod is a festival with over 15,000 children and young people under the age of 25 competing during the Eisteddfod week in various competitions such as singing, dancing and performing. The UK Parliament is contributing to the debating competition, held on Thursday 30 May.
The young competitors will be expected to form strong arguments on diverse topics, including some set by the House of Commons Welsh Affairs Select Committee.
Chair's comments
Chair of the Committee, David T.C. Davies MP said:
“The skill of debating in Welsh should be celebrated, and I am pleased my Committee is promoting young Welsh speakers' talents by contributing to the Urdd debating competition.
On the Welsh Affairs Committee we are committed to carrying out business in Welsh and English wherever possible, and we ensure we communicate our work in both languages. I am pleased Guto Bebb MP will be adjudicating the competition and I look forward to hearing about how the young competitors engage with the subjects.”
Guto Bebb, Member of the Welsh Affairs Committee and MP for Aberconwy, will be on the judging panel and will help to decide the winner.
Speaking ahead of the debate, Guto Bebb said:
“It is essential that the UK Parliament encourages the use of the Welsh language, particularly amongst young people, and participating in the debating competition at the Urdd is an important part of that.
I am pleased to be representing the Welsh Affairs Committee and helping to select the winner. I'll be looking for debaters that speak with enthusiasm and engage critically with the issue at hand.”
David Clarke, Head of Education and Engagement, UK Parliament, said:
“The UK Parliament is glad to contribute to the Urdd National Eisteddfod's debating competition for a second year. Last year's event was a great success and this partnership is a dynamic way to engage young Welsh speakers with the work of the UK Parliament.”
Further information
Image: Pixabay