Super-prison plan axed in devolved powers row
LANS for a super prison in Port Talbot have been axed after the Welsh Government said it would no longer facilitate the further development of any prisons until a “more meaningful dialogue” took place over the devolution of policing and the criminal justice system.
In a statement yesterday, Alun Davies, Cabinet Secretary for Local Government and Public Services, said it was not in the interests of the Welsh Government or people in Wales, to see further prison development.
Announcing that the Commission on Justice in Wales would be looking at how a devolved system should operate, he said more work needed to be done on effective rehabiliation so people did not reoffend.
He said: “I am concerned that without a meaningful and in-depth discussion with the UK Government, we will continue to see increasing demand on Welsh public services and poorer outcomes for people in the criminal justice system in Wales. I am particularly concerned that some of the men and women in Wales who are sent to prison, are not receiving the services and support they need to ensure that they can be effectively rehabilitated and supported not to re-offend. Whilst we wait for the Commission on Justice to reach its conclusions, we need to press ahead with developing a different and distinct delivery approach that reflects the needs of people in Wales, but is also more closely aligned with our public services and policy approaches in Wales.
“This includes gaining a better understanding of why people end up in prison and what we could do to prevent many people being sent to prison, often for short sentences that have a devastating impact on their lives. Until we have considered this in more detail and had more detailed discussions with the UK Government, I do not believe it is in the interests either of the Welsh Government or people in Wales, to see further prison development in Wales.
“I have therefore written to the Secretary of State for Justice to inform him that until a more meaningful dialogue with the Welsh Government takes place, we will not facilitate the further development of prisons in Wales. I will keep members informed as any discussions with the UK Government progress.”
In March 2017, the Ministry of Justice announced its intention to build a super prison on land in the Baglan Industrial Park, known locally as Baglan Moors.
The site, located close to the M4, is owned by the Welsh Government.
It was one of four proposed areas for new jails across the UK and would house 1,600 inmates.
Welcoming yesterday afternoon’s announcement, Aberavon ward councillor Nigel Thomas Hunt (Plaid Cymru), who led a protest against the plans, said: “I’m delighted with the news, our case was extremely robust.
“The process followed by both the Ministry of Justice and Welsh Government in this proposal has been an absolute car crash. It really highlights the broken fractured service we get in Wales – they need to devolve the criminal justice system – the people of Wales deserve a much better service.”
Describing the prison plans for Baglan Moors as a “horrible dark cloud” that’s been hanging over the community, Councillor Thomas Hunt said the prison was “a preposterous proposal”.
When contacted yesterday morning, prior to the statement by Mr Davies, a Ministry of Justice spokesman said it “remained committed” to building a prison in Port Talbot and “continued to engage with local communities, businesses and other stakeholders”.