What has the Welsh Government done to make the case to Westminster for the devolution of the justice system in the fifth Assembly?
The Welsh Government believes that policing and criminal justice should be devolved to the National Assembly. This policy informs all of our work and discussions with the Ministry of Justice and Home Office.
The Welsh Government has regular discussions with the Ministry of Justice regarding the devolution of the criminal justice system to Wales. I have met with a number of UK Government Ministers including Edward Argar and Rory Stewart in July and November to discuss the delivery of Justice Services in Wales. Edward Argar and I are due to be meeting again in the New Year to continue discussions.
Whilst justice remains a non-devolved function, I want to see a wider debate about what we need in Wales and I have started those discussions about what a distinct Welsh penal system should look like. The emerging blueprints for Female Offending and Youth Justice will help identify the additional support required for the delivery of appropriate justice services in Wales.