U.K., Oct. 27 -- UK Parliament issued the following news:
Commenting on new Wales-specific justice data published by Cardiff University.
Chair of the Welsh Affairs Committee Ruth Jones MP said:
“It is devastating to hear that more than a third of all deaths among prison leavers in Wales were due to drug poisoning, and that the number of homeless prison leavers in Wales has increased. The data underscores the findings of our inquiry that reported earlier this year: the prison and probation system is struggling with increasingly complex demand, which has serious implications for rehabilitation outcomes. With the government’s early release schemes ongoing, we need to ensure the system is set up so prison leavers have the support they need to live healthy lives and avoid reoffending when they return to their communities.
“Our committee has continually highlighted ongoing issues with drug use, most recently in our reports on HMP Parc and the broader prison and probation system. The safety and wellbeing of prisoners and prison leavers should be at the forefront of all decisions, and when it comes to issues that span both reserved and devolved boundaries, it is vital that the UK and Welsh Governments work together to support this cohort.
While we are encouraged to hear that the Welsh female prison population has declined, it is frustrating to hear that the number of women handed immediate custodial sentences in Wales increased by 27% in 2025. There are no women’s prisons in Wales, and the evidence our inquiry heard was clear that separation from their children and families can bring considerable harm, chaos and disruption to these women’s lives.
I’m again thankful for Dr Rob Jones and his team for their work aggregating and analysing important justice data for Wales. Their work is essential for uncovering the true picture in Welsh prisons, allowing policymakers and prison leaders to make informed decisions to best support prisoners. Improving Wales-specific justice data is something my committee has consistently pressed the UK Government on, and in light of several of Dr Jones’ data requests to the Ministry of Justice not receiving a response, it is clear that there is still work to be done here.
Our committee will revisit these issues throughout the remainder of this Parliament and will keep pressing the UK Government to go further and faster.”
The committee published its report ‘Jagged Justice: Prisons, Probation and Rehabilitation in Wales’ in June 2026 and its report ‘The Future of HMP Parc’ in March 2026.
The committee will likely discuss the data with the Chief Constables of Wales’ four police forces in an evidence session later this year.
Further information
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Image: House of Commons / Roger Harris
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