DEVOLUTION OF YOUTH JUSTICE POWERS TO WALES

That this House welcomes the publication of a new report by the Howard League for Penal Reform and its key recommendations that youth justice powers be devolved to Wales; notes that significant numbers of adult prisoners began their immersion in the criminal justice system in their youth and that current policies are not successful in preventing crime; supports the development of youth justice towards a Nordic-style model for rehabilitation of children rather than punishment; and calls on the Secretary of State for Justice to enter into discussions in order to devolve responsibility for youth justice to the Welsh Ministers.