Welsh Politicians Urge Urgent Transfer of Policing Powers

Calls for the devolution of policing powers to Wales have intensified following the UK Government’s announcement to abolish police and crime commissioners (PCCs) in England and Wales by 2028. Mick Antoniw, a Labour member of the Senedd, emphasized the need for urgent discussions between the Welsh Government and Westminster to ensure that policing is effectively managed within Wales.

During the Senedd session on November 19, 2023, Antoniw criticized the existing PCC framework, describing it as an “ill-thought-out concept” that was “always doomed to eventual failure.” He argued that the introduction of elected police chiefs served primarily to distract from significant cuts in policing budgets, which saw the previous Conservative UK Government reduce police numbers by 20,000 officers across the country.

Antoniw stated, “The only way this can work effectively in Wales is by the devolution of policing,” highlighting the need for a system that is accountable to Welsh interests.

Concerns Over Accountability and Governance

The issue of policing governance was further addressed by Jane Hutt, Wales’ social justice secretary. Hutt informed the Senedd that she has engaged with Sarah Jones, the UK policing minister, in light of the Home Office’s recent decision. She stressed that essential functions currently carried out by PCCs must continue to be managed in Wales. Hutt stated, “The conversation we’ve opened with the UK Government is about how that happens – not whether it happens.”

Despite this, concerns were raised by Conservative member Joel James, who noted that the elimination of PCCs would result in their powers being transferred to mayors or councils in England, expressing unease about the possible repercussions for Wales. His colleague, James Evans, openly opposed the devolution of policing, raising questions about the financial implications for Welsh taxpayers and suggesting that the quality of service might diminish.

Hutt acknowledged the lack of equivalent mayoral structures in Wales, indicating the necessity for a tailored approach to police accountability.

Calls for Action and Concerns of Stagnation

Former Plaid Cymru leader Adam Price criticized the UK Government for its slow progress on devolution, questioning the rationale behind their reluctance to embrace Welsh democracy. Hutt reiterated the Welsh Government’s commitment to pursue specific reforms that align with the needs of Wales, including the potential for devolving policing powers.

The leader of the Liberal Democrats in Wales, Jane Dodds, urged that any financial savings from the scrapping of PCCs should be redirected to bolster frontline policing, particularly in rural areas. She expressed concern that momentum for devolution is waning, remarking, “It feels a little bit lost, the timetable and the target for us to get policing and criminal justice devolved here to Wales.”

Adding to the chorus for reform, Labour’s Alun Davies criticized the Home Office’s lack of consideration for Wales when making the announcement. He pointed out that nearly 73% of police funding already originates from Welsh sources, proposing this as an ideal opportunity to reform and possibly consolidate Wales’ four police forces.

Independent member Rhys ab Owen highlighted the low public engagement with PCCs, describing them as an “expensive political experiment.” He suggested that the Welsh Government should take this moment to consider merging police forces for greater efficiency.

Hutt confirmed she was informed of the Home Office’s decision but was not consulted prior to the announcement. She pledged to advocate for the devolution of policing powers among her Labour colleagues in Westminster, aiming to align policing with the unique needs of Wales. As discussions continue, the Welsh Government faces the challenge of navigating this pivotal moment in its approach to policing and governance.