Furious MP takes KFC Welsh language row to Westminster
POLITICIAN DEMANDS APOLOGY FROM FAST FOOD CHAIN AS HE RAISES ISSUE IN PARLIAMENT
AN MP has been left so angry by the actions of a fast food giant that he wants to complain about them in Parliament.
Plaid Cymru Member of Parliament for Arfon Hywel Williams has denounced fast-food giant KFC after a Welsh-speaking worker was told only to speak English to customers at its fast food restaurant in Bangor, Gwynedd.
He now wants to see the incident discussed by politicians from across the country in Westminster.
Mr Williams has already raised the matter in the House of Commons by tabling a Parliamentary Motion calling on “Kentucky Fried Chicken” to apologise.
He also wants the firm to bring a new policy to ensure incidents like this never happen again at any of its restaurants.
The motion has already secured cross-party support from Labour, the SNP and Conservative Party.
Mr Williams said: “I’m angry that a company such as KFC has established itself in a Welsh-speaking area of its own volition, yet thinks in 2019 it can not only stop people from speaking the majority language of the local authority but also the official language of Wales.
“This is nothing but a violent denial of a basic human right – to speak your own language, in your own community, in your own country.
“In an area such as Bangor where there is a high number of Welsh speakers, it is highly likely that such a policy would deny staff members the right to converse in their own language. I call on KFC to apologise unreservedly and adopt a policy that enables Welsh speakers’ right to communicate in their language of choice.
“The ability to speak Welsh is a legitimate occupational qualification and is a valuable asset for employees.”
KFC has come in for much criticism since Ceri Hughes, a student from Y Felinheli, was told by a supervisor “not to talk to customers in Welsh”.
The 27-year-old, who studies at Bangor University, was so angry that she quit her parttime job at the chain.
The indicent also led to a protest outside the shop.
Around 25 members of Cymdeithas yr Iaith Gymraeg and supporters gathered outside KFC holding placards which read “Cymraeg - Ein Hawl” (Welsh - our Right) and “Dim Cymraeg Yma” (No Welsh here).
At the time of the incident a KFC spokesman said: “At KFC, we all speak the same language - that of our love for Original Recipe chicken.
“We always want our team members to speak the language they and our guests feel comfortable with.”
KFC has been contacted for a further response.