Wales would become a ‘distinct legal jurisdiction’, separate from England, under sweeping devolution proposals contained in the Liberal Democrat election manifesto, published today.
In a section titled ‘Fix a broken system’, the manifesto says: ‘We will raise the status of the National Assembly to become a Welsh Parliament, strengthening its capacity to scrutinise legislation and to hold the Welsh Government to account. We will drastically reduce the number of reserved subjects and prevent Westminster from being able to override Wales on devolved matters. We will recognise Wales as a distinct legal jurisdiction.’
The manifesto contains no details on the legal structure that would replace current arrangements, but legal institutions that have an England and Wales remit include the High Court, the Court of Appeal, the Solicitors Regulation Authority, the Bar Standards Board, the Legal Services Board and the Land Registry.
Other law and justice policies include a reversal of the ‘massive increases’ in court and tribunal fees, and an ‘urgent and comprehensive’ review of the effects of the Legal Aid, Sentencing and Punishment of Offenders Act on access to justice.
A ‘general anti-avoidance rule’ for corporate tax, a ‘digital bill of rights’ and a ‘presumption against short prison sentences’ are also pledged.
Party leader Tim Farron’s introduction to the manifesto says: ‘To be clear, Theresa May’s Conservative Party is on course to win this election. Unless we make a stand, they will walk away with a landslide.’
Lib Dems pledge separate jurisdiction for Wales
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