Thursday 24 October 2019

Devolution of justice to Wales

"Justice should be determined and delivered in Wales so that it aligns with distinct and developing social policy and a growing body of Welsh law. The way that responsibilities are split between Westminster and Cardiff has created pointless complexity, confusion and incoherence in justice and policing in Wales."

These are the views of Lord Thomas of Cwmgiedd who will today present the findings of the Commission on Justice in Wales, which was set up by the Welsh Government in 2017 to conduct a full-scale review.

Readers of this blog will not be surprised that it welcomes the recommendations, which also chime with long-standing Liberal Democrat policy. It would be surprising if the First Minister, on the liberal wing of Welsh Labour, does not also endorse them. The big difficulty is convincing the current "Little Englander" government in Westminster. However, the prospect of overall savings in the budget for administration of justice, as duplication is cut out, should appeal to chancellor Javid.

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