Welsh Government minister Dafydd Trystan Davies has declared that the devolution of justice and policing in Wales will be pursued as an immediate priority. He confirmed that he will be holding talks with the UK Government in the coming weeks to discuss the matter.
Background on Devolution
While policing is already devolved in Northern Ireland and Scotland, Wales remains without such powers, with the policy area still reserved to Westminster. The UK Labour Government has stated that it does not back the devolution of these powers to Wales. Welsh Secretary Jo Stevens has emphasised that there are other priorities regarding crime rather than further devolution.
Minister's Statement
Speaking on Tuesday, Mr Davies said: "This Government's position is clear – justice should be fully devolved to Wales, as it is in Scotland and Northern Ireland. In the coming weeks I'll be meeting with UK Government ministers to set out our position and to start those discussions. We will pursue the devolution of justice and policing as an immediate priority."
New Government Formation
Plaid Cymru formed a government in Wales in May after a historic election result saw it unseat Welsh Labour from power for the first time in Senedd history. Eluned Morgan, the former First Minister, had previously called for the devolution of policing, youth justice, and probation during her party's time in government.
National Commission on Constitutional Future
On Tuesday, Mr Davies also confirmed that a new national commission is being established to examine Wales's "constitutional future," in line with Plaid Cymru's election manifesto. "It will oversee progress on further devolution, engage with the public in a national conversation about Wales's constitutional future, and strengthen the evidence base for further reform," he added.
Response to Criticism
Speaking in the Senedd, Mr Davies dismissed claims from Reform UK that his party was pursuing "independence by instalments." Rhun ap Iorwerth, the Plaid Cymru leader and new First Minister, previously said his party would use its time in government to make the case for an independent Wales but would not seek a referendum in this term.
Asked to clarify the position in his first time answering questions in the Senedd, Mr Davies said: "Our leader set out clearly during the election, it was clear in our manifesto, that there will be no referendum on independence during this term. Where there are opportunities to improve the lives of people in Wales, then we will take them... We will make no apology whatsoever for that. We are on a constitutional journey in Wales. It is a journey that is best served by consensus and collaboration, and that is what we will seek to do."
