The Libertarian politician attended an outdoor town hall at the Aberystwyth seafront with the Justice for Wales campaign - inviting residents to discuss the criminal justice system and enjoy the sea air.

“Throughout this campaign we have been faced by disruptive noise from the Wales Says No campaign. Let me tell you; I am not here today to play politics or repeat manufactured lines or mushy slogans. I am here to discuss policy and how justice and policing devolution will affect you and your neighbour.”

“The prison system of Wales demonstrates the inadequacy of the current criminal justice system. Although there is no devolution with respect to prisons the Welsh government is responsible for services including health, education and housing. A hodgepodge of competing responsibility that lacks transparency, accountability and direction. Common sense demands the criminal justice system will be best served united under one administrative roof where redundant bureaucracy is cut back. But it would also allow for a prison system built in the interests of Wales - a system build for Wales.”

“There is not a single female prisoner in Wales. That is to say there is not a single female prison. Women from South Wales are sent to HMP Eastwood Park in Gloucestershire while women from North Wales are taken to HMP Styal in Cheshire. In either case the children, relatives and friends of imprisoned women face long and expensive transportation - making regular visitation a tremendous burden. In Aberystwyth the child of an imprisoned mother faces travel of six hours. All of us know what damage this separation can cause to both parties. It is an unacceptable situation that deserves a solution.”

“The leading voice of Wales Says No has admitted his government has no intention to build capacity for female prisoners in Wales. He sees no problem with separating children and imprisoned mothers. He has no problem casting away Welsh prisoners in exile some place in England. He believes the interests of Wales must come second.”

“Wales has always been regarded as an afterthought to Whitehall decision making. The only guarantee Wales will see any benefit of the 10,000 prison places the government has promised to create is with devolution - where under the Barnett formula Wales will receive its fair share of funds as a proportion of Westminster expenditure. Wales has faced hundreds of years of neglect and Westminster incompetence. It is time we take responsibility and create a criminal justice system that meets the needs of the most vulnerable of our society.”