Extract from Welsh Parliament statement on Update on Criminal Justice Blueprints - Oct 24

Mark Isherwood MS:...Finally, how do you account for the data in the Equality and Social Justice Committee report on women's experiences in the criminal justice system, showing—? I don't know why you're laughing, Alun Davies. This is pretty damn serious stuff. How do you account for the data in the Equality and Social Justice Committee report on women's experiences in the criminal justice system, showing that, in the South Wales Police force area, the prison rate was more than four times higher than in the lowest region in the prison's catchment area in England, when the Welsh Government itself is responsible for the services in Wales that should be intervening early and preventing imprisonment?

Sioned Williams MS:...Finally, I would like an update on action to address the worrying violation of children’s rights that were highlighted by the Children’s Commissioner for England report earlier this year, which showed there were 134 strip searches of children in Wales by the police between 2018 and 2022, with South Wales Police strip-searching 108 children, a figure above the national average for England and Wales. The Children’s Legal Centre Wales argues that strip-searching of children is a violation of children’s rights, is contrary to our nation’s commitment to the UNCRC, and to Wales-only legislation that promotes children’s rights. Following the shocking case of child Q, the Independent Office for Police Conduct last month called for a substantial review of policing powers under the laws relating to the strip searches of children, to improve safeguarding and prioritise the welfare of minors. What information have you received regarding that review, Minister? And without the full devolution of powers on justice and policing to Wales, how, Minister, do you propose we uphold our children’s rights? Diolch.

For context, OPEN HERE