Jacob Rees-Mogg reveals he is learning Welsh on Duolingo

Jacob Rees-Mogg has revealed that he is learning Welsh through the languages app, Duolingo.

The Leader of the House of Commons said that he was inspired to do so after fellow MP Liz Saville-Roberts was told not to speak the language in parliament.

Rees-Mogg described Welsh as a “foreign language” at the time but said that the incident had intrigued him enough to want to make him download the app.

“Hearing the Welsh language awakened something deep in my Rees ancestry,” he said. “I felt a deep hiraeth in the depth of my being.

“My ancestors left Wales in the 17th century but of course that is the century in which I feel I most belong.

“I ordered my Nanny to download the Duolingo app for me at once, and since then I have been learning key phrases such as ‘toriadau llym,’ ‘y farchnad rydd,’ and ‘cytundebau heb oriau.’

“I started on March 18 and have continued my streak all the way until today, April 1, so I am doing very well so far.”

So enamoured was he with the language of his ancestors that Jacob Rees-Mogg said that he was now considering putting his name forward for the Senedd election in five weeks’ time.

“I want to represent one of the most Welsh-speaking communities,” he said. “I am sure the people of Arfon will take me to their hearts, just as those of Central Fife did when I stood as a candidate there in 1997.

“However, with today being the first of April, I must hurry to get the nomination papers in at once.”