The Devolution of Justice

Part of 2. Questions to the Counsel General and Minister for European Transition (in respect of his law officer responsibilities) – in the Senedd at 2:51 pm on 20 October 2020.

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Photo of Janet Finch-Saunders Janet Finch-Saunders Conservative 2:51, 20 October 2020

Thank you. The Lord Chancellor was very clear at the recent Legal Wales conference that a united Wales and England is best for the law. The current arrangements mean that we can share resources and efficiencies across the justice system, courts can learn from one another, and legal professionals have the freedom to practice from Cardiff to Carlisle, and Caernarfon to Canterbury. Even the Commission on Justice in Wales advised that the present system, where legal practitioners can practise in England and Wales, and the legal professions are jointly regulated, should be continued. Now, I believe that you have advised the same Legal Wales conference that the Welsh Government will be pursuing a course of devolution of justice, however, once in a position able to do so. So, Counsel General, will you tell our Senedd what is your vision for the future of justice in Wales? What is holding you back at present? And, do you acknowledge the benefits of the current arrangements, as highlighted by the Lord Chancellor?