Institute Of Welsh Affairs

“Is there a role for prisons in modern Wales?” Dr Robert Jones says that the prison population of Wales has risen by 76% over the last decade. And the rate of imprisonment in Wales is the highest in Western Europe. Welsh prisons are stretched to capacity, reoffending rates are on the rise, and there is no provision at all for Welsh female prisoners. Could Wales abolish prisons altogether and create a new justice system based around the principles of the Wellbeing of Future Generations Act? Panellists: Jenny Rees, Home Affairs Correspondent, BBC Cymru Wales (Chair) Dr Robert Jones, Research Associate, School of Law and Politics, Cardiff University Ruth Coombs, Head of Wales, Equality and Human Rights Commission Sally Holland, Children’s Commissioner for Wales Rhys Thomas, Barrister and Mediator, Iscoed Chambers