Support for devolution of policing and criminal justice in Northern Ireland is strong

Devolution has brought huge benefits, and the existence of devolved institutions in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland now means that more control over matters that are not reserved – that is to say that are not controlled by departments in London – is afforded to local politicians who are accountable locally.

Matters which are reserved and matters which are devolved vary according to constituent country. For example criminal justice in Scotland is overseen by the Scottish Executive, whereas in Wales the Ministry of Justice in London retains control. This is because England and Wales share a legal system that is quite different to that in Scotland.

In Northern Ireland there is yet another legal system which – although based on many aspects of English Common Law – operates separately to that in England and Wales. Under the first stage of devolution, the control of policing and criminal justice was kept with the Northern Ireland Office. It was always envisaged that, when the Assembly so requests, devolution of policing and criminal justice would happen in Northern Ireland.

Support for the devolution of criminal justice and policing stands at 60 per cent, according to a poll released at the end of Northern Ireland Criminal Justice Week. The strong support for the devolution of criminal justice and policing is replicated across political lines: 53 per cent of DUP voters were in favour of devolution in principle (as against 28 per cent who were not) and 54 per cent of UUP voters were in favour (as against 36 per cent who were not. Of Sinn Fein voters 79 per cent were in favour and 75 per cent of SDLP voters were in favour. Amongst Alliance Party supporters 63 per cent were in favour.

It is clear that many people in Northern Ireland believe it is time for the next stage of devolution; the Northern Ireland Office will be ready when consensus on the way forward is met.