Prisons Cannot Be Resolved Overnight, Government Official States, as Law Enforcement Search For Two Men Mistakenly Freed
Opposition justice spokesperson the shadow minister has described the situation as a "complete and utter mess," speaking this morning.
Speaking during a broadcast interview, he referenced comments made by the justice minister after a previous prisoner release, saying that Lammy would implement more robust checks.
"It took six days for the prison service supposedly to even become aware this has happened" and inform the police, Jenrick says, "who are now a week late in the search to find him."
The shadow minister criticises Lammy's handling during yesterday's PMQs and alleges him of a "complete dereliction of duty."
Speaking about incorrect prison releases in broader terms, the spokesperson emphasizes that "every single accidental discharge [...] is unforgivable."
He acknowledges there were such releases under the previous administration, but claims the number "has risen significantly" under Labour.
Advocating more prisons to be constructed, he adds: "What the British people expect now are adequate safeguards put in place."
"This represents a particular administrative failure by the justice department overseen by David Lammy," Jenrick concludes.
- A timeline on how the most recent incorrect inmate discharge unfolded is available elsewhere.
