Prisoner Releases in Error 2025-11-11

The shadow Justice Secretary criticised the current government's handling of prison releases in error. He pointed out that despite claims of robust checks, more prisoners were released incorrectly shortly after such assurances were given. He accused the Minister of incompetence and questioned his capability to handle the situation effectively.

The public are being endangered as this circus rumbles on week after week, with no end in sight. The Justice Secretary needs to take responsibility for the confusion caused by Labour's early release scheme and the increase in prisoners accidentally released. The situation is worse than admitted; prisoners are being accidentally released nearly every other day, putting constituents at risk.

The crisis was inherited from a previous government where 17 prisoners were released in error monthly. The issue is cross-party and due to resource shortages and prison officer cuts by the Conservatives. SDS40, introduced due to capacity issues, has caused some errors but checks are now in place.

Welcomes initiatives to deal with wrongful releases but warns that deeper malaise is symptomatic of a breakdown in order and discipline within the prison system. Proposes addressing drug culture, organised crime, and lack of education and work.

Critiques current security checks as inadequate and calls for biometric technology usage in confirming prisoner identity before release. Asks about training prison officers receive, duration Ministry of Justice knew about released prisoners, and immediate actions to prevent future releases.

Agrees wrongful releases have caused distress among victims' families and acknowledges inheriting a chaotic prison system. Supports appropriate action being taken but recognises it will take time to resolve the issue.

The Member emphasises that mistaken releases cost money due to police operations. He requests the Secretary of State to detail costs incurred by the police since the Government's tenure.

Vaughan seeks a commitment from the Deputy Prime Minister to remove all minimum custodial requirements for foreign offenders, aiming to expedite deportation after sentencing. He acknowledges previous Conservative efforts but calls for immediate action.

Fox questions whether new checks announced by the Justice Secretary prior to recent releases were effective or stringent enough, noting inconsistencies in implementation.

Russell highlights workforce issues within prisons and calls for a 10-year plan similar to that of the NHS. She appreciates the Secretary of State's response but emphasises the need for long-term planning.

Munt inquires whether the Lord Chancellor should have been more transparent about a potential mistaken release before making statements on public office accountability. She advocates for greater transparency to restore public confidence.

Pakes expresses gratitude towards prison staff while criticising the Conservatives' legacy of underfunding and inefficiency in the prison system, urging investment in technology and solutions.

Mitchell raises concerns over domestic abuse cases moving to open prisons prematurely, citing a specific example involving Natalie Queiroz. He seeks clarification on policy exclusions for such offenders.

Anderson acknowledges increased investment in Wandsworth prison but expresses anxiety due to recent high-profile cases. She thanks the Justice Secretary for outlining measures like enhanced training and digital systems.

Johnson questions the transparency of Government responses regarding the number of prisoners released in error still at large, emphasising adherence to ministerial codes of honesty and transparency.

Minns urges assurance that this Government will implement findings from Dame Lynne Owens' investigation, aiming to restore public confidence in the prison system following years of increasing errors under previous administrations.

Darling reports issues with security staff shortages and prisoner absconding incidents between courts and prisons. He seeks clarification on national occurrences and measures to prevent such failures.

Mentioned the Magee review, highlighting that it was never implemented over 14 years of Conservative government. Emphasised cuts to Prison Service under Conservatives leading to inexperienced staff.

Suggested a statement for prisoners due for release, informing them about potential wrongful releases and proposing penalties if they do not report it. Acknowledged by Mr Lammy but noted complexities in the current system.

Referred to panto season's character Buttons, poking fun at the shadow Secretary of State for his desire for leadership. Blamed previous government for state of prisons.

Cited 284 accidental releases since July under current government, questioned assurances about no accidental releases from HMP Littlehey in constituency since Labour took office.

Asked how we are tackling both building more prison places and releasing prisoners. Emphasised burden on clerks and officers calculating sentences and cited William Hague's criticism of previous government’s failure to build prisons or let people out.

Asked about Offenders (Day of Release from Detention) Act 2023 and whether it was devolved to prison governors, seeking clarification if ignored by governors.

Described chaotic justice system inherited from previous government causing 800 early releases. Highlighted support for victims and need to move away from paper-based systems.

Asked about number of people wrongly detained and funding set aside for litigation. Criticised system's retention of prisoners when they should be released, alongside releases in error.

Asked for detail on support provided to victims in cases of wrongful release, emphasising importance of informing and supporting victims during such incidents.

Queried six-day delay in informing police about a sex offender's wrongful release from HMP Wandsworth, questioning priority given to public safety.

Highlighted inherited weaknesses due to austerity and overcrowding. Emphasised need for rehabilitation through skills, education, and employment opportunities.

Defended the government’s actions, highlighted new programme initiatives such as housing people in military bases and increasing foreign nationals' returns to their countries. Acknowledged issues with wrongful releases but emphasised measures being taken.

Thanked prison officer staff, criticised previous government's handling of prisoner releases and highlighted the need for victims to be at the heart of reforms.

Agreed with comments made by colleagues, emphasised the need for better support upon release from prison and to ensure prisoners have somewhere to go after release.

Expressed concern over a violent criminal released from Ford open prison in her constituency, requested information on other absconding prisoners.

Asked about crimes committed by wrongly released prisoners while at large.

Inquired about a foreign national offender who was mistakenly released from Ford open prison, requested details on entry into the country and whether he was an asylum seeker.

Asked when constituents would be able to say they no longer fear dangerous criminals being released onto the streets.

Quoted PMQs, pressed for a guarantee that the Justice Secretary has control over issues related to prisoners released by mistake.

Paid tribute to probation staff, asked about timescales for addressing resource and system issues in prisons.

Asked if any prisoners have been accidentally released from Hewell Grange prison in Worcestershire.

Inquired about Justice Secretary's shopping for a suit after being informed of the release of Algerian sex offender Kaddour-Cherif.

Asked if the Secretary of State would commit to necessary changes, including updating data and technology in the present system for public safety and confidence.

Mr Jenrick corrected the record, stating that the Justice Secretary had made a mistake by saying 17 prisoners a day were released in error under the last Conservative Government when it should be 17 prisoners a month.

Mr Speaker acknowledged and corrected the record, confirming that while the Justice Secretary initially said 17 prisoners a day, he meant to say 17 prisoners a month. He also noted that the actual figure was five prisoners per month.

Mr Lammy clarified his position and corrected the record by stating that the number of prisoners released in error under the previous Conservative Government was 17 a month, not a day as mistakenly reported earlier.