Our research makes its mark at Assembly
15 June 2018
Our report ‘Imprisonment in Wales: A Factfile’ was this week discussed at the National Assembly as members questioned the Welsh Government on the future of Welsh prisons and issues faced by prisoners.
Since its publication, the report by Dr Robert Jones has made an impact in both Cardiff Bay and at Westminster, raising the profile of the debate on criminal justice.
Last week, the UK Parliament’s Welsh Affairs Committee discussed the report as part of its inquiry into prison provision in Wales.
And yesterday (14 June 2018), David Rees AM (Aberafon) raised the report with Cabinet Secretary for Local Government and Public Services, Alun Davies AM.
David Melding AM (South Wales Central) further praised the work, stating:
"Can I commend the work of Robert Jones, who I know—and I’ve had the pleasure of hosting an event at which he was the principal speaker here in the Assembly—but also the work of the Wales Governance Centre? This is really quality material and we need to reflect on it."
The Cabinet Secretary responded:
"We have read the report by Dr Robert Jones. It presents a very useful picture of what is going on in Welsh prisons and matters concerning Welsh people held in English prisons."
He added:
"I’ve asked for a meeting with the prisons Minister, Rory Stewart, and we’re waiting to hear whether that will be able to go ahead. But, fundamental on this issue for me is that we address holistically the issue of penal policy in Wales."
A full Government debate on the content of the report is expected later in the year. Academics from the Wales Governance Centre will also be highlighting issues from the report with Westminster MPs, and with the elected Police and Crime Commissioners.