The Ministry of Justice has so far agreed to take forward just a handful of the dozens of recommendations contained in the landmark Thomas Commission report, which in 2019 proposed that justice policy and funding be devolved to the Welsh government. But Mick Antoniw MS, counsel general for Wales, believes the ‘door will be open’ to devolving responsibility for more justice matters if a Labour government also takes power at Westminster.

Wales wants to take control of youth justice and probation as a first step, reflecting a distinct Welsh justice policy based on prevention rather than punishment. But the Conservative government remains flatly opposed to ceding more powers.

Interviewed by the Gazette (see today's magazine) Antoniw disclosed that the Welsh government has engaged in a ‘triage’ exercise with the MoJ to try and find common ground on Thomas. Officials agreed to focus on 14 of the 78 recommendations, but the MoJ has indicated a willingness to take forward just five.

The five relate to: enhancing the accessibility of – and providing help in English and Welsh with – digital and dispute resolution services; collecting Wales-specific data to aid policymaking; and providing coroner services in Welsh. It has also been agreed that the Administrative Court should have the power to stay court proceedings while the Public Services Ombudsman for Wales investigates a complaint.

Antoniw also raised the ‘appalling’ state of Cardiff’s civil justice centre when justice minister Lord Bellamy visited the Welsh capital last month. Courts and tribunals are largely a reserved matter.