5. Debate on the Equality, Local Government and Communities Committee report: Voting Rights for Prisoners

Part of the debate – in the Senedd at 4:37 pm on 25 September 2019.

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Photo of John Griffiths John Griffiths Labour 4:37, 25 September 2019

I absolutely completely agree with that. As I said, what we're talking about I think is doing the right thing in terms of principle, but also doing the right thing in terms of the practical effect. And I'm not saying that giving prisoners the vote is going to greatly boost rehabilitation and reintegration, but I do believe it's an important signal, and I do believe that when we were taking evidence in prisons from prisoners and staff, and outside prison in our committee hearings, there was a recognition and a general support for that position. It might seem like quite a small thing in terms of overall rehabilitation, but actually it is significant. And that's certainly the way I view it, and I'm very pleased that the majority of the committee viewed it the same way.