Prisons Won't Be Fixed Overnight, Minister States, as Law Enforcement Search For Two Individuals Incorrectly Released
Shadow justice secretary Robert Jenrick has described the situation as a "total shambles," commenting this morning.
Speaking during a broadcast interview, he referenced remarks made by the justice minister following a recent prisoner release, stating that the minister would implement more robust checks.
"There was a delay of almost a week for the prison service reportedly to even become aware this has happened" and inform the police, Jenrick says, "who are now a week late in the search to locate him."
The opposition figure condemns the minister's handling during yesterday's PMQs and alleges him of a "total failure in responsibility."
Speaking about incorrect prison releases more generally, Jenrick underlines that "every single accidental discharge [...] is unforgivable."
He admits there were similar incidents under the previous Conservative government, but claims the number "has increased dramatically" 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 supervised by the minister," Jenrick says.
- An account detailing how the latest mistaken prisoner release unfolded is available elsewhere.
