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<p>The Justice in Wales Working Group concluded in December 2016. At that time, the
Working Group reported to UK Government ministers and the Lord Chief Justice on the
importance of mutual cooperation on justice matters between the Welsh Government and
the UK Government.</p><p>It is a matter for the Welsh Government to determine how
its proposed Commission will consult. We fully expect the Welsh Government and the
Commission will continue to work with the Ministry of Justice going forward.</p><p>
</p><p>As stated by Lord Bourne during the Report Stage of the Wales Bill (Hansard
reference: Wales Bill Lords Report Day 1,Column 1265), the UK Government considers
that there should be an ongoing review of the justice system in Wales, carried out
by an independent advisory committee. This committee will examine and make recommendations
on how justice services can continue to reflect the distinctiveness of Wales. This
committee will be established shortly and will represent devolved interests and those
within the justice system.</p><p> </p><p>The Working Group’s review was discussed
at a meeting of the All Wales Criminal Justice Board in October 2016, at which there
was Police and Crime Commissioner representation. The Working Group did not meet Police
Commissioners, Police Chiefs or Police Federation in Wales directly, as the Working
Group’s terms of reference were focussed on strengthening the administrative arrangements
that underpins the way in which Assembly laws become fully embedded in the justice
system.</p><p> </p><p>During its period of review, the Working Group consulted the
judiciary and individuals from the following organisations:</p><p> </p><ul><li>The
Law Society of England and Wales</li><li>The Law Society in Wales</li><li>The Bar
Council of England and Wales</li><li>The University of Wales Cardiff</li><li>The University
of Wales Swansea</li><li>The University of Wales Bangor</li><li>Cardiff School of
Law and Politics</li><li>Swansea Law School</li><li>Geldards LLP</li><li>Blake Morgan
LLP</li><li>The Law Commission</li><li>The Crown Prosecution Service</li><li>The National
Offender Management Service (NOMS) in Wales</li><li>Her Majesty’s Courts and Tribunals
Service (HMCTS) Wales</li><li>The Youth Justice Board (YJB) Cymru</li><li>The Judicial
College</li></ul>
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