Trago Mills boss triggers ‘anti-Welsh rant’ furore

will pose, certainly if the existing standard of literacy is indicative, ‘furniture’ last week only being spelt by a [sic] employee as ‘fernicher’: forgive my ignorance but for all I know that may be the correct spelling... in Welsh!”

He also stated: “I will not trouble you by debating the broader economic benefits of exploiting our almost God-given gift of speaking the most dominant language in the world, as that case was made long before this brief correspondence between you and I.”

Wyn Williams, chair of the local branch of Cymdeithas yr Iaith, said: “This antiWelsh language rant is very offensive.

“It demonstrates a complete disrespect for our country as well as our unique national language.

“They also reflect imperialistic attitudes that belong in the far distant past.

“The comments about education are completely ignorant – experts are clear that Welsh-medium education means pupils become fluent in both Welsh and in English.

“There are tens of thousands of Welshspeakers in the area the store serves, and it’s insulting to them.

“But more than anything else, this shows once again that strong legislation is needed to ensure the full use of Welsh in the private sector.

“We won’t see a thriving language if we depend on the goodwill of companies like this; the Labour Welsh Government’s plans to weaken the language law is music to their ears.

“It’s sad to say, but, at the moment, our own government is behaving like the best friend of this ugly face of big business.”

The Welsh Government has refused to extend Welsh-language obligations to the private sector.