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Welsh Affairs

It is still standing proud. The preferred symbol was, for many years, the leek. The 6th-century Welsh poet, Taliesin, was a great fan of the leek, believing that, if eaten, it encouraged good health and happiness. Whatever the origins of all the quirky practices of St. David’s day, such as the wearing of leeks or daffodils, they are part of the fabric of our heritage. They are the things that help to bind us together as a nation. Some hon. Members present will be familiar with my views on St. David’s day. I think that it is a special and unique day in the school calendar in Wales. I have respect for Members of all parties who believe that St. David’s day should be a public holiday, but I believe that it is at its best when celebrated in schools. Next week, the Western Telegraph Pembrokeshire and the Milford and West Wales Mercury in my local area will be full of beautiful photographs of little Welsh girls wearing national costume, and lads wearing Welsh rugby shirts, daffodils or leeks. The schools are where St. David’s day is celebrated best. I make a plea to Front Benchers on both sides of the House to resist calls for St. David’s day to be a public holiday. It should remain a special day for Welsh schools.