People assume I can't speak Welsh because I'm not white, says Seren Jones

A black presenter and journalist says it is frustrating that her ability to speak Welsh is doubted because of the colour of her skin. Seren Jones, from Cardiff, said she did not experience "the same assumption as [her] white friends", with some Welsh speakers switching to English when they see her. Now living in London, Seren said: "I doubt I'm the only person of colour in Wales that's had that experience." The 2021 census showed an increase in the number of Welsh speakers in Wales from Asian, black or other ethnic backgrounds. Actress Mali Ann Rees said inclusivity was key to encouraging more people to speak Welsh, with "no excuse" for unconscious bias. "I've got quite a neutral accent because I've lived in London for almost a decade and I've moved countries throughout my life," said Seren. "Also I'm not a white person, and I think a lot of people in London and in England, when they think of someone Welsh speaking Welsh, they think of someone who's more white." The 2021 census showed 18.4% of white people in Wales (around 533,000) spoke Welsh - a decrease from 19.5% in 2011. Of those identifying as Asian or Asian British, the figure rose from 6.3% to 6.4%, and for those who were f