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Prisoner Release Checks 2025-10-27
27 October 2025
Lead MP
David Lammy
Debate Type
General Debate
Tags
ImmigrationJustice & CourtsEmployment
Other Contributors: 33
At a Glance
David Lammy raised concerns about prisoner release checks 2025-10-27 in the House of Commons. A government minister responded. Other MPs also contributed.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Lead Contributor
Opened the debate
Statement on the release in error of Hadush Kebatu from HMP Chelmsford. Acknowledges swift police action to return him to custody, expresses outrage at the incident, and announces measures including an urgent review of checks when a prisoner is released, immediate changes to protocols, no ERS removals from HMP Chelmsford for the rest of the week, and an independent investigation by Dame Lynne Owens. Also discusses the context of inherited prison issues and government actions towards fixing them.
Robert Jenrick
Con
Newark
Critiques the Justice Secretary's performance in handling Kebatu’s release, highlighting that under proposed legislation, such offenders would avoid imprisonment. Raises concerns about cover-ups in prison issues and questions the competence of government inquiries. Questions how many mistakenly released prisoners are violent or sexual offenders and migrants awaiting deportation.
Lammy
Lab
This is a serious issue and that is why there will be a full independent investigation. The shadow Justice Secretary—I will give him this—is smooth. But as my mother would have said, if he was chocolate he would lick himself. He should hang his head in shame.
Lammy
Lab
The crisis in our prisons that we face today is because of 14 years of failure under the Labour Government. They presided over 17 mistaken releases per month and cut police numbers by 20,000.
Andy Slaughter
Lab
Hammersmith and Chiswick
Given the pressure on prison front desks and the complexity of rules for release, this was an accident waiting to happen. The digitising of prisoner records might bring down the number of releases in error.
Chichester
We Liberal Democrats recognise that the Government inherited a mess when it comes to prisons, but they should have taken serious steps to address shortfalls and staffing issues. We welcome the Secretary of State’s announcement of an independent investigation.
Matt Bishop
Lab
Forest of Dean
What has caused, created and contributed to the problems that enabled these mistakes is not from the 14 months we have been in power but from the 14 years of austerity and cuts overseen by the Conservatives.
Edward Leigh
Con
Gainsborough
The crisis of small boats crossing the channel is utterly debilitating. We need a promise that if people land illegally on these shores, they will be detained and deported immediately back to where they have come from.
Chris Bryant
Lab
Rhondda
Expresses concern over the release of a dangerous criminal, acknowledging the Deputy Prime Minister's assessment. Emphasises the need for swift action to maintain public trust in the justice system due to 14 years of Tory neglect.
Chelmsford
Welcomes the announcement of an independent investigation and stresses that recommendations must be implemented without delay. Criticises scapegoating a single prison officer for systemic failures, calling for leaders to resign if found at fault.
Kim Johnson
Lab
Liverpool Riverside
Highlights deep failings in the prison system caused by 14 years of Tory government failure and exacerbated by staff shortages. Questions how stripping prisons of trained staff will improve safety and prevent further failures like Kebatu's case.
Neil Hudson
Con
Epping Forest
Centres on the victims of Kebatu’s crimes, demanding answers for the breach and urging immediate action to address illegal immigration and close the Bell hotel. Calls out the Government for accountability over the crisis.
Chris Webb
Lab
Blackpool South
Requests confirmation that the deportation of Kebatu will proceed unhindered, despite protests from other Members. Emphasises the need for a swift plan to ensure public trust in the justice system is maintained.
Ashley Fox
Con
Bridgwater
Points out that mistaken releases have more than doubled under the current Government and questions confidence in avoiding repeated mistakes if early release continues.
Paul Waugh
Lab/Co-op
Rochdale
Supports deportation of foreign national offenders but criticises funding issues. Requests assurance that the Sentencing Bill will facilitate easier deportations, reducing costs for housing such individuals in British jails.
Honiton and Sidmouth
Questions whether responsible contractors or subcontractors will face financial penalties to prevent further mistakes. Suggests that 262 prisoners were released by mistake last year, with 115 the previous year.
Jess Asato
Lab
Lowestoft
Asks whether the previous Government spoke with victims of prison release errors due to system underfunding and lack of independent investigations during their tenure.
Simon Hoare
Con
North Dorset
Questions why the Justice Secretary chaired operational meetings with police over the weekend, expressing concern about political interference in police matters.
Jonathan Davies
Lab
Mid Derbyshire
Appreciates efforts to catch Kebatu and welcomes steps taken to understand what went wrong. Requests a report back on findings from the Justice Secretary.
Constituency Not Mentioned
Expressed concern over recent prison release errors, particularly regarding foreign national offenders and their potential return to the UK. Raised issues about biometric systems for tracking such individuals.
Dwyfor Meirionnydd
Questioned the Government on staff shortages in prisons due to changes in visa thresholds, urging the Justice Secretary to address this issue with the Home Office. Highlighted concerns over inexperienced prison officers.
Chris Vince
Lab/Co-op
Harlow
Asked for reassurance that victims of crime will be protected and expressed hope that the Government would take more proactive steps to address release errors.
Julian Lewis
Con
New Forest East
Commented on the complexity of dealing with asylum seekers who return to their home countries after facing legal consequences, questioning the efficiency and fairness of current immigration processes.
Siân Berry
Green
Brighton Pavilion
Challenged the Government's acknowledgment of staffing issues caused by recent visa rule changes without concrete actions to address them. Emphasised the importance of retaining overseas prison officers.
Wendy Morton
Con
Aldridge-Brownhills
Critiqued the Justice Secretary's response, finding it inappropriate and questioned his authority to continue in office given the severity of recent mistakes.
Jim Allister
TUV
North Antriim
Highlighted that wrongful releases have been ongoing issues for a year with 262 such incidents reported. Questioned why there were no independent investigations into these cases and criticised the current system's inefficiencies.
Lewis Cocking
Con
Broxbourne
Challenged Labour on their stance regarding law enforcement and prison management, questioning if they prioritise criminal rights over public safety. Criticised recent policy changes that he felt were in favour of criminals.
Mark Pritchard
Con
The Wrekin
Pressed the Justice Secretary on his approach to managing prison staff and operations, questioning his reference to previous government actions as a defence for current issues. Emphasised need for clarity in operational matters.
Gagan Mohindra
Con
South West Hertfordshire
Asked if the Justice Secretary considered stepping down due to recent errors, noting that public confidence is at an all-time low. Criticised failure of previous government in handling prison system.
Paul Kohler
LD
Wimbledon
Critiqued the Home Office's decision to raise visa thresholds for skilled workers and questioned if this was contributing to staff shortages in prisons. Sought clarification on whether prison officers should be listed as a shortage occupation.
Name of MP who initiated the discussion
not specified
Asked the Justice Secretary if he had personally reached out to victims and apologised for their anxious weekend.
Responded that he is sorry about the situation, thanked Essex police for being in touch with victims, and highlighted the need for Lynne Owens' full and final report. Also addressed Dr Caroline Johnson's question regarding released prisoners under different regimes.
Caroline Johnson
Con
Sleaford and North Hykeham
Asked how many of those released in error are still at large, referencing the previous Labour Government.
Jim Shannon
DUP
Strangford
Noted that 262 prisoners were freed in error compared to 115 in the previous year, an increase of 128%, and called for changes in the justice system to ensure proper punishment and rehabilitation.
Government Response
This is a serious issue and there will be a full independent investigation. The current crisis in prisons is due to Labour's failure over the past 14 years. There are issues in our prisons today, but we need to support staff with training and probation services. Acknowledges significant changes under the current government, including removal of foreign national offenders. Defends Government's stance on early release issues and systemic problems inherited from previous governments. Emphasises independent investigation led by Dame Lynne Owens and commitment to implementation of recommendations. Responded to various criticisms by highlighting actions taken to address staffing issues, including suspending involved officers and implementing stricter release checks. Defended government's efforts in dealing with foreign national offenders and acknowledged challenges but emphasised proactive steps being taken. Acknowledged the unacceptable nature of wrongful prisoner releases, agreed with the need for systemic change to ensure appropriate sentencing and rehabilitation, thanked Essex police for their efforts.
Shadow Response
Robert Jenrick
Shadow Response
Critiques the Justice Secretary’s response, pointing out that Kebatu had multiple opportunities to be deported but was not. Questions the effectiveness of prison checks and raises concerns about cover-ups in prisons, the number of violent offenders released early, and the impact on communities.
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Assessment & feedback
Summary accuracy
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