Shocked Plaid Cymru MP told to ‘GET A LIFE!’ after comparing Welsh jokes to Islamophobia
Liz Saville Roberts, MP for Dwyfor Meirionnydd, compared insults towards the Welsh with Islamophobia and anti-semitism after a controversial Rod Liddle column prompted complaints on Sunday. She said: "This is a drip feed. Welsh speakers and Welsh people continually get this sort of treatment and we're just supposed to take it. "We're supposed to say 'grow a thicker skin, it's a joke'. But, just to speak plainly, no, this has an effect. “Lack of protection for groups in the general media is encouraging the hate expression against groups.
“Islamophobia and anti-semitism, there are many serious defamation incidents out there, but insults towards the Welsh is on a spectrum of that. If we tolerate that then we are on the way to the others. “Welsh is unique to Wales and we are calling for respect.” Journalist James Delingpole responded: "If the Welsh language is good, then it's strong enough to survive a little gentle teasing, almost affectionate teasing actually, from Rod Liddle. "He's admitted subsequently that he actually quite likes the Welsh and I think you should take his jokes with a pinch of salt.
BBC The Plaid Cymru MP complained that jokes about Wales are degrading
What is the Welsh for 'get a life' James Delingpole
"What is the Welsh for 'get a life'? Because I think it would be quite useful in these circumstances." He added: “Wales has now become a whiney welfare state where the best that the elected officials can do is grumble about how offended they are.” Rod Liddle prompted complaints when he declared in the Sunday Times that some Welsh people would prefer the Second Severn Crossing to be called "something undecipherable". Mr Liddle wrote: “The Welsh or some of them are moaning that a motorway bridge linking their rain-sodden valleys with the First World is to be renamed the Prince of Wales Bridge.” He added that some people "would prefer it to be called something indecipherable with no real vowels, such as Ysgythysgymlngwchgwch Bryggy".
The Independent Press Standards Organisation (IPSO) rejected complaints of discrimination, saying the editor's code did not apply to groups of people. Mr Saville Roberts later tweeted: “There is a drip feed of mockery, ridicule and scorn towards the Welsh language. “Perfectly demonstrated by James Delingpole's 'Get a life' rebuke.” Welsh Conservative MP Stuart Andrews joined the outrage and labelled Rod Liddle’s articles “downright rude”. He told a debate in Westminster Hall: “Even though we've got a Welsh sense of humour and the author of that article says that it was a joke, I have news for him: he's not much of a comedian.
The Prince’s Trust Awards in pictures Tue, March 6, 2018 The Prince of Wales is honouring the achievements of remarkable young people from across the UK today at The Prince's Trust and TK Maxx & HomeSense Awards in London Play slideshow PA 1 of 19 The Prince of Wales on stage with hosts Anthony 'Ant' McPartlin and Declan 'Dec' Donnelly at the Prince's Trust Awards at the London Palladium