The Welsh
Counsel General, , will today (August 4) call
for a fairer and more effective justice system tailored to the
needs of Wales when he addresses an audience at the National
Eisteddfod.
He will argue that current
arrangements are not fit for purpose and that policing and
justice need to be devolved in order to address a “conundrum at
the heart of the devolution settlement”.
The Counsel General’s vision is
for a justice system which reflects the values and particular
characteristics of Welsh society and embraces social and economic
justice. He will also talk about what the justice system in Wales
can do to increase fairness, equality and prosperity for
all.
Speaking at the event organised
by the Bevan Foundation, the Counsel General will refer to the
justice system itself and the impact that non-devolved areas of
policing and justice have on the delivery of public services in
Wales.
Ahead of today’s event,
said;
“The Welsh Government is fully
committed to an equal and fair Wales, but achieving our vision of
a just Wales requires fundamental change. The Commission on
Justice in Wales chaired by former Lord Chief Justice, Lord
Thomas of Cwmgïedd, has a vital role to play in shaping our
future.
“I am concerned that the
justice system of England and Wales is not fit for purpose and
there is an arbitrary line between what is devolved and what is
not. This means public services cannot be properly joined up and
integrated to the detriment of the people of Wales, who deserve
better.”
