Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Prisoner Releases in Error 2026-06-30

Tuesday 30 June 2026 · 3 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 1 Partly answered 1 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Government estimates show 262 recorded releases in error from July 2024 to March 2025.
  • Dame Lynne Owens's independent review data from April 2025 to March 2026 was published alongside the review.
  • The Secretary of State attributes the issue partly to the previous government's handling of prison system reforms and guidance.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Jack Rankin Con Windsor
Justice & Courts
Context

Since July 2024, there have been concerns over the number of prisoners released in error.

Question

What estimate has the government made of the number of prisoners released in error since July 2024?

Answer from David Lammy

Official statistics for the year to March 2025 show 262 recorded releases in error, and the latest figure will be published next month. In April we also released ad hoc data from April 2025 to March 2026, which was published alongside Dame Lynne Owens's independent review into releases in error.

Answered
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Q2 Caroline Johnson Con Sleaford and North Hykeham
Justice & Courts
Context

There is a concern that the number of prisoners released in error has increased, with 441 incidents over two years being described as the worst on record.

Question

I understand that the total is 441, which over a two-year period is the worst on record and means that, in less than 24 months, Labour has released more prisoners in error than were released in the previous six years combined. That is a disgrace. How many of those released in error early were convicted of rape?

Answer from David Lammy

The hon. Lady was not listening to the figures I gave. We are seeing a reduction in the numbers because of the review that I asked Dame Lynne Owens to lead. We are implementing the recommendations so that the numbers come down, but I have to ask the hon. Lady: who left us with the mess? Who saw 800 releases under their watch? When did they update Parliament? When did they set up a review? They did absolutely nothing. We have a paper-based system. That is why we are introducing digital ID.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The number of prisoners released in error convicted of rape

How: Who Left Us With The Mess, 800 Releases Under Their Watch

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Q3 Jack Rankin Con Windsor
Justice & Courts
Context

There is a concern that dangerous criminals are being released early into communities, with victims informed by letter.

Question

It is a disgrace that hundreds of prisoners have been released in error under this Government, but more concerning are the thousands it will have been an error to release early. The Secretary of State did not answer the previous question, so let's try another. As we heard in this House yesterday, child groomers and rapists are due to be let out years early, with their victims being informed by letter, so will he tell my constituents exactly why, under this Government, dangerous criminals will be in their communities rather than in prison?

Answer from David Lammy

Because you almost broke the prison system. You built just 500 places in 14 years, and we had to fix that system. You had 17 different forms of guidance on early release in the last year, all done in secret. That is why we introduced the Sentencing Act 2026, which got Royal Assent in January, and why we are doing everything we can to build more prison places—14,000 prison places by 2031.

How: You Almost Broke The Prison System, Built Just 500 Places In 14 Years

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