Rishi Sunak will continue to use the English name of the Brecon Beacons while snubbing the Welsh language

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Rishi Sunak said he would continue to use the Brecon Beacons name, although the Welsh National Park is dropping its English name.

The park has decided to change its name to its Welsh-language name, Bannau Brycheiniog, earlier this month after management claimed the association with a blazing, wood-burning, carbon-emitting beacon was "not pretty". p>

The Tories took aim at the decision, dismissing it as a token attempt to look 'trendy' that could 'undermine' the region's international identity.

The Welsh broadcaster veteran John Humphrys called it an "unnecessary" move, while Welsh Tory leader at the Senedd, Andrew RT Davies, said the change would undermine the already well-known tourist destination.

Speaking ahead of the Welsh Conservatives' conference on Friday, Mr Sunak said he and 'most people' would not embrace the name change.

The Prime Minister told BBC Wales he was a "great proponent of Welsh language and culture".

"But when it comes to the Brecon Beacons, the first thing to say is that it's an internationally renowned place to visit, attracting visitors from all over the world.

"It's something we're all very proud of across the UK.

"I'm going to keep calling it the Brecon Beacons, and I imagine most people will too."

Last week, Downing Street said it expected people to continue using the name and actions of the Brecon Beacons that nomenclature" were key to tackling climate change.

"The public, I'm sure, will continue to...use the English and Welsh names," said said the Prime Minister's official spokesman.

Welsh Secretary David TC Davies expressed concern about the rebranding, saying there had been "no consultation" and that it would be "always known by [Brecon Beacons] to so many around the world".

< p> Welsh Conservative leader Mr Davies said: “The Beacons are also recognizable outside Wales than here. Why undermine that?"

The area's Welsh name translates to "Peaks of the Kingdom of Brychan" - a reference to the area's king in the 5th century.