Prisons
Wales has the highest imprisonment rate in Western Europe, despite having no control over criminal justice policy.
UK Government prison construction is a factor. The construction of HMP Berwyn, near Wrexham, and a substantial increase in prison population at HMP Parc, in Bridgend, have contributed to the high in-country imprisonment rate in Wales over the past decade. Prisoner numbers continue to rise.
Plaid Cymru does not support private prison provision, which we believe is a responsibility of the state. We are alarmed by the recent number of deaths and criticisms of HMP Parc, which we feel needs full investigation and to be brought back under full public control.
At present, the prison estate is effectively full, posing a danger to prisoners, staff and victims. Sentencing policy should consider what works best to prevent criminals from re-offending and being a danger to the wider public.
This includes restorative justice, community based sentences for low-risk offenders and communitybased prevention and rehabilitation.