Thank you, Dirprwy Lywydd. A fair and effective justice system and the rule of law are the cornerstones of our parliamentary democracy. As politicians, we make laws, but the adjudication of those laws must always be independent of politics. Today, I want to make a statement about how best we think we can best achieve that fair, effective, independent justice system, and social justice is at the heart of that. Although much of the work of operating the justice system is reserved, devolved agencies have crucial parts to play in its delivery. It is a public service like any other, but it's one that has to work hand in hand with education, health, social services, housing and others. Fair and effective delivery is dependent on the quality and consistency of the collaboration and long-term planning of all of these services.

As chair of the Cabinet sub-committee on justice, I see how much work goes into trying to achieve this. We owe a debt of gratitude to our police and those who work in our courts, our prisons and our probation services, as well as in our legal profession, the judiciary, the justice trade unions and many more besides.