Opposition justice spokesperson the shadow minister has labeled the situation as a "complete and utter shambles," speaking this morning.
Appearing on a radio program, he pointed to comments made by the justice minister after a previous inmate discharge, stating that the minister would establish more robust checks.
"It took almost a week for the corrections department reportedly to realize this occurred" and inform the police, Jenrick explains, "leaving them a week late in the manhunt to locate him."
The shadow minister condemns the minister's handling during recent parliamentary questions and alleges him of a "complete failure in responsibility."
Speaking about incorrect inmate discharges more generally, the spokesperson underlines that "every single mistaken release [...] is unforgivable."
He admits there were similar incidents under the previous administration, but says the number "has risen significantly" under the current government.
Calling for additional correctional facilities to be constructed, he continues: "The public expect now are proper checks implemented."
"This represents a specific administrative failure by the justice department supervised by David Lammy," Jenrick says.
- A timeline on how the most recent incorrect inmate discharge developed is accessible through official channels.
