Correctional Facilities Cannot Be Resolved Immediately, Government Official Says, while Law Enforcement Hunt For Two Individuals Incorrectly Released
Opposition justice spokesperson Robert Jenrick has described the circumstances as a "complete and utter mess," speaking earlier today.
Speaking during a broadcast interview, he pointed to remarks made by David Lammy after a recent prisoner release, saying that Lammy would establish more robust checks.
"It took almost a week for the corrections department reportedly to realize this has happened" and notify the authorities, the shadow official explains, "who are now a week late in the search to locate him."
The shadow minister criticises the minister's handling during recent PMQs and alleges him of a "total dereliction of duty."
Addressing incorrect inmate discharges more generally, Jenrick underlines that "every single accidental release [...] is unforgivable."
He acknowledges there were similar incidents under the previous Conservative government, but claims the figure "has increased dramatically" under the current government.
Calling for more prisons to be built, he adds: "What the British people expect now are adequate checks put in place."
"That is a particular administrative failure by the Ministry of Justice overseen by David Lammy," Jenrick says.
- A timeline detailing how the latest mistaken prisoner release developed is available through official channels.
