Investigation into Councillor's Comments on Immigration and Welsh Language
Plaid Cymru is conducting an investigation into a councillor who raised concerns about the impact of immigration on the Welsh language.
The party announced it had suspended Gareth Anthony Roberts, a Gwynedd councillor, following complaints about remarks he made during a meeting.
Roberts stated that Bangor was "no longer a Welsh-speaking area" and expressed worry about the variety of languages spoken at his former primary school.
Plaid Cymru confirmed that Roberts had resigned from the party's Gwynedd group. Roberts himself acknowledged the benefits of migration but emphasized that those wishing "to integrate" are being let down if they cannot learn Welsh.
Currently, Roberts is listed on the Cyngor Gwynedd website as a member unaffiliated with any political group.
Comments Made During Planning Meeting
During a planning meeting held on Monday, Roberts said:
"Bangor is no longer a Welsh-speaking area. It was when I was a child, but it is no longer now. I can see Bangor diminishing in Welsh language population on a daily basis."
He estimated that up to a thousand migrants had moved to the area within the last five years.
"At... my old primary school, I spoke to the headteacher and she informed me that there's over 42 different languages being spoken in that primary school - 42. They're really struggling to cope with that number of new languages and they're struggling to implement Welsh as a language option."
Roberts also commented on housing issues, stating that people living in houses of multiple occupation would prefer their own homes and might move to nearby areas due to a shortage of properties in Bangor.
Concerns About Welsh Language Impact
He added:
"That's going to diminish the Welsh language considerably. So, I can speak from my experience and tell you I'm very concerned about the impacts of the Welsh language in Chwilog, and in the whole of this area."
Following the meeting, Roberts expressed his appreciation for migration and noted Bangor's multicultural history.
He told the BBC:
"I'm concerned for the people that come to this country who really want to integrate, but we're failing them if they don't get the chance to learn and speak Welsh properly and help them get good jobs. It's so hard for the schools, but we have to have these discussions."
Roberts clarified that his comments were made in the context of a discussion about housing development in Chwilog.
"I was warning what could happen elsewhere due to limited housing in Bangor," he said. "If people have to move to surrounding areas it will affect the language in areas where more people speak Welsh."
Plaid Cymru's Response
Plaid Cymru issued a statement regarding the situation:
"Following a formal complaint received by Plaid Cymru regarding councillor Gareth Anthony Roberts, Ward Dewi, Bangor, the councillor's membership has been temporarily suspended, and the councillor has resigned from Plaid Cymru's Gwynedd group. This is a neutral action until an investigation is carried out."
