Prisons Cannot Be Resolved Overnight, Government Official Says, while Police Hunt For Two Individuals Incorrectly Freed
Shadow justice secretary the shadow minister has described the situation as a "complete and utter shambles," speaking earlier today.
Appearing on a broadcast interview, he referenced remarks made by the justice minister after a previous prisoner release, saying that the minister would establish more robust verifications.
"There was a delay of almost a week for the prison service supposedly to realize this occurred" and notify the authorities, the shadow official says, "leaving them a week late in the search to locate him."
The shadow minister condemns the minister's handling during yesterday's parliamentary questions and accuses him of a "total dereliction of duty."
Addressing incorrect prison releases more generally, the spokesperson emphasizes that "each mistaken release [...] is unforgivable."
He acknowledges there were such releases under the former Conservative government, but says the number "has risen significantly" under the current government.
Calling for additional correctional facilities to be constructed, he adds: "The public expect now are proper safeguards implemented."
"This represents a specific administrative failure by the justice department overseen by David Lammy," Jenrick concludes.
- A timeline detailing how the latest mistaken prisoner release unfolded is accessible elsewhere.