'Hecklers' Welsh panel pull out

Sir Dai was to argue promotion of Welsh had gone too far

A radio debate about the Welsh language has been cancelled after all four panellists due to take part pulled out.

Baronet Sir Dai Llewellyn was to argue language promotion has gone too far in an episode of Radio 4's Hecklers being recorded in National Eisteddfod week.

The Welsh Language Board chair withdrew saying Welsh had "moved beyond being mocking material" while chief constable Richard Brunstrom also pulled out.

The BBC was disappointed about what would have "been a compelling debate".

Along with Meri Huws and Richard Brunstrom, a representative from the National Eisteddfod and solicitor Nic Parry, who is currently chairman of this year's National Eisteddfod committee, also decided not to take part in the programme.

The agenda has moved on and the tone and angle of the proposed programme echoes of debates of 20 years ago Meri Huws, Welsh Language Board chair

In the Radio 4 series, one person puts forward a controversial idea while three or four expert opponents interrupt and counter the arguments.

Aberdare-born Dai Llewellyn would have presented his case during a new programme to be recorded next Tuesday at Clwyd Theatr Cymru in Mold, the town where the National Eisteddfod is taking place.

In 2003 the socialite, who is the son of 1952 Olympic gold medallist show jumper Sir Harry Llewellyn, partly blamed his decision to sell his home in south Wales on "xenophobic nationalism".

Ms Huws said she initially agreed to participate in the Radio 4 programme but withdrew after "receiving full details of the proposed argument" and the show's format.

"People in Wales and across the UK realise that the Welsh language has moved beyond being mocking material" she said.

'Clog dancing'

"It is a national language and according to law to be treated on the basis that is it equal with English. Failure to acknowledge this appears to be at the very basis of this programme."

Ms Huws also expressed concern that the programme was being recorded during National Eisteddfod week.

Speaking of the Eisteddfod, she said: "It's not just about harps, druids and clog dancing, it's a week packed full of activities and events that all pivot around the Welsh language.

"Recording a programme with a starting position that lowers the achievement of one of the largest cultural festivals in Europe is something we feel we should not be an active part."

We're also surprised that those invited to take part were unwilling to engage in a discussion about something they clearly feel passionate about BBC spokeswoman

Ms Huws said she would have preferred the debate to focus on the language's role in shaping Wales in the 21st century.

She added: "The agenda has moved on and the tone and angle of the proposed programme echoes of debates of 20 years ago."

The National Eisteddfod, which was due to put forward a panellist, said it had pulled out after receiving an outline of the intended broadcast and reviewing previous episodes.

A statement said: "It became obvious that the focus of the programme belonged to an agenda which is at least 20 years old."

North Wales Police confirmed that chief constable Richard Brunstrom, had also decided not to take part after considering the views of the Welsh Language Board.

A BBC spokeswoman said they were disappointed listeners would not have the opportunity to hear what would "surely have been a compelling debate".

She added: "We're also surprised that those invited to take part were unwilling to engage in a discussion about something they clearly feel passionate about."