Fragmented and haphazard justice system is letting people of Wales down - Plaid Cymru
A Plaid Cymru MS has hit out at Labour in both the UK and the Welsh Government for letting the people of Wales down over the disappointing state of the justice system.
Adam Price MS’ comments come before a Senedd debate calling on the UK Government to commit to the devolution of policing and justice powers in full to Wales.
This call was rejected by the Labour Home Secretary, Shabana Mahmood when asked by Plaid Cymru MP, Liz Saville Roberts.
Both the Scottish Government and the Northern Irish Executive have powers over policing, leaving Wales as the only devolved nation without these powers.
The calls for devolution of policing and justice have been supported by various commissions and reports, including the Thomas Commission and the Independent Commission on the Constitutional Future of Wales, reports supported by the Labour party.
Speaking before the debate, Plaid Cymru spokesperson on justice, Adam Price MS, said:
“It is common sense to say that decisions on how laws - often created in Wales - are enforced and policed here in Wales.
“Decisions on the health, education and economic services that are provided to those within the justice system are made in Wales, yet Labour believe decisions on the justice system itself should be made in England.
“The fragmented, haphazard, nature of decision making over justice and policing is letting the people of Wales down, even leading to Wales having the highest incarceration rate in Western Europe.
“Devolution of these powers could help change the counterproductive nature of the criminal justice system, which has left the prison estate in a dire condition and towards preventative and rehabilitative approach that supports individuals not to reoffend.
“Labour’s answer to the disappointing state of justice in Wales is to do nothing. UK Labour refuse to even look at devolution, and Labour in Wales are content in doing nothing about it.
“Plaid Cymru will never apologise about making the case and demanding that the services the people of Wales rely on are delivered as effectively as possible. Plaid Cymru is the only party that truly stands up for Wales.”
