The Creation of a Welsh Legal Jurisdiction

Part of 2. Questions to the Counsel General and Brexit Minister (in respect of his 'law officer' responsibilities) – in the Senedd at 2:26 pm on 21 May 2019.

Alert me about debates like this

Photo of Janet Finch-Saunders Janet Finch-Saunders Conservative 2:26, 21 May 2019

Thank you. None of us can deny the development of Welsh law and the ever increasing role played by the Welsh Government in the delivery of justice in Wales. Therefore, I welcome the fact that the Commission on Justice in Wales is reviewing the system and looking at creating a long-term vision. The Law Society, however, has recently made its submission to the commission. In this, they have noted that complete separation of Wales from the current single jurisdiction could dilute the jurisdiction of England and Wales and curtail the ability of solicitors to maintain the current level of legal services activity in Wales. Indeed, it is explained that

'Wales could be perceived as a difficult place to do business.'

Their words, not mine. With the interests of the future of around 450 law firms and 4,000 law students here—[Interruption.] Will you give assurances that a jurisdictional solution is being explored in addition to simply pursuing complete jurisdictional separation?