picture is emerging of the justice system in Wales and how it is quite different to that of England." In response to the emergence of these figures, Plaid Cymru said that the penal system was failing and that the figures added weight to the argument that the justice system should be devolved to Wales. Plaid Cymru leader in Westminster, Liz Saville Roberts said "“Wales being at the top of this league table is a source of great shame. Our national assembly for Wales should take control of our prison system so we can create one fit for the unique needs of our nation and not simply allow Westminster to impose its unsuitable policies.” Jane Hutt, Member of Senedd (MS) responsible for justice policy said, “Whilst justice remains a non-devolved function, work is underway to get the best possible solution for Wales. Working with the Youth Justice Board Cymru and HMPPS [the UK government prison and probation service], we are developing proposals on how a distinct and different justice system would operate specifically for female and youth offenders in Wales. Early intervention and prevention are key - considering how we can divert people away from crime in the first place in a holistic and rehabilitative way is essential to Wales’ future outlook.” In October 2022, Dr Robert Jones upon the publication of his book "The Welsh Criminal Justice System", said: “On many key measures we uncover that the Welsh criminal justice system performs even worse than that of England, a country with a well-deserved reputation as among the worst performers in western Europe. We see higher rates of violent offences, disturbing data on race throughout the system, higher rates of incarceration than in England, and a higher proportion of the population subject to some kind of probation supervision." He added, “Overall, we cannot avoid the conclusion that the way that the Welsh criminal justice system is organised is structurally and endemically dysfunctional.” Female prisoners In February 2023, a new report showed that women prisoners from south Wales are forced to carry out their sentences in England are living in poor conditions. Family and friends of female prisoners, therefore, have to travel to England for visitations. Jenny Rathbone, MS for Cardiff Central and Chair of the Senedd’s Equality and Social Justice said that Committee said, “It’s traumatic for a child to have to go all that way to see their mother. Ideally,