Cultural And Linguistic Diversity

EDM number 244 in 2000-01, proposed by Elfyn Llwyd on 23/01/2001.

That this House recognises and welcomes the contribution made by people moving into Wales who have enriched its culture and make an enormous contribution to Welsh life: respects people's right to move freely within the United Kingdom and with the EU; is concerned about the growing lack of employment and affordable housing in rural areas for young people throughout the UK; acknowledges that this lack of opportunity drives young people to leave rural communities; is concerned about the weakness of the economy in Wales; recognises the level of poverty in Wales and the growing gap between levels of GDP and average earnings in Wales and the rest of the UK; demands that the Government introduces a vigorous regional development policy including varying regional economic policies; calls for regional variations in corporation tax and national insurance contributions; demands a review of the Barnett Formula and the introduction of a new needs-based formula as recommended by the Welsh Affairs Committee report on Social Exclusion; recognises that due to weak regional policies rural communities are being put under threat agrees that rural communities and their culture must be safeguarded; recognises that measures must be taken to protect cultural diversity within the multicultural society that Wales is fostering, including the indigenous culture of Wales; and welcomes as a step in the right direction the draft planning guidelines and housing consultation that were announced by the Administration in the National Assembly for Wales which include some measures designed to protect the cultural and linguistic heritage of Wales.

This motion has been signed by a total of 3 MPs.