What recent discussions has the Welsh Government had with the Ministry of Justice regarding reasons violence and self-harm were lower in prisons in Wales compared to prisons in England during the coronavirus pandemic?
Responsibility for the prison estate lies with the Ministry of Justice, however, the Welsh Government takes the safety of people in custody and the people who work in the custodial estate seriously.
Throughout the pandemic I have regularly engaged with the UK Justice Minister and the Welsh Government has and continues to have weekly discussions with HM Prison and Probation Service (Wales), the Ministry of Justice, NHS Wales and Public Health Wales to manage any outbreaks and mitigate the impact of coronavirus and ensure appropriate services are in place to support wellbeing.
We collectively reflect on regulations and practice, and refine how we work together to help people in custody live safe and healthy lives. This includes ongoing learning from the pandemic. Prison health teams play a crucial ongoing role in supporting the wellbeing of people in custody, especially when people are at risk of self-harm.