19.02.13
Wales should have power over policing
Policing powers should be devolved to Wales, first minister Carwyn Jones has said in the Government’s submission to the Silk Commission.
Silk is looking at the scope of the Welsh Assembly’s remit.
In the long-term, control over criminal justice including probation services, community safety and crime prevention should be devolved to Wales, Jones said. This should also include water sports, road safety, alcohol and late night entertainment licensing, which should be devolved by 2020-21. He said: “Decisions that affect Wales should be taken in Wales”.
He also called for a new Government of Wales Act “to strengthen accountability, and reduce the scope for conflict between the Welsh and UK Governments”.
A Plaid Cymru spokesperson said: “While we are pleased with the direction of travel from the Welsh Government, this is very much a slow lane approach that would still leave the major levers of power at Westminster.
“The question is not just of which powers should be transferred to Wales, but when they should be transferred.”
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(Wales flag image: GeeHock)