Boundary Commission under fire for Welsh-only constituency names
By Jane Smith, Political Correspondent
The Boundary Commission Cymru faces criticism for its decision to use Welsh-only names for redrawn constituency boundaries in Wales. This move has sparked backlash, with concerns raised over potential anti-Welsh language sentiment. Shereen Williams, the head of Democracy and Boundary Commission Cymru, expressed disappointment over the backlash surrounding the Welsh-only names chosen for the constituencies in the upcoming Senedd election in 2026.
The final map of constituencies for the Senedd election is set to be published on Tuesday, March 11, with changes expected compared to the draft map previously released for consultation. The Commission’s draft map featured new constituency names, the majority of which were Welsh-language only. It has been established that constituency names will default to Welsh, with only those deemed recognisable by non-Welsh speakers considered acceptable in English.
While some constituencies have received bilingual names in areas such as Swansea, Neath, and Cardiff, the majority of the proposed names are Welsh-only. Examples of the proposed Welsh-only names include Gŵyr/Swansea West for Gower and Swansea West, and De Powys Tawe Nedd/South Powys Tawe Neath representing a combination of Brecon, Radnor, Cwm Tawe, Neath, and Swansea East.
In a recent interview on BBC Radio Wales, Shereen Williams defended the Commission’s decision and highlighted that the chosen names aimed to be recognisable to residents by reflecting existing bilingual signage in local areas. She noted concerns of anti-Welsh language sentiment influencing the backlash against the Welsh-only names, emphasizing the Commission’s approach to selecting names that were familiar to residents based on their daily interactions within their communities.
The controversy surrounding the use of Welsh-only names has raised questions about the understanding and acceptance of bilingualism in Wales. The Commission’s intention to reflect the linguistic diversity of the country through constituency names has been met with mixed reactions, underscoring the ongoing debate over the promotion and preservation of the Welsh language in public spaces.
Critics of the Welsh-only names argue that they could potentially alienate non-Welsh speakers and create confusion among voters. However, supporters commend the Commission for championing the Welsh language and culture through the naming of constituencies, highlighting the importance of linguistic heritage in shaping the country’s identity.
As the debate over the Welsh-only constituency names continues, it underscores broader discussions about language rights, cultural representation, and inclusivity in Welsh society. The controversy serves as a reminder of the complexities surrounding language politics and the ongoing efforts to balance linguistic diversity with broader societal considerations in Wales.
The Boundary Commission Cymru’s decision to use Welsh-only names for constituencies signals a commitment to celebrating Wales’ unique cultural heritage, but it also highlights the challenges of navigating linguistic identity in a diverse and evolving society. With the official publication of the final constituency map imminent, the Commission’s choice of names will undoubtedly remain a topic of discussion and debate leading up to the Senedd election in 2026.