Auto Amazon Links: No products found.
Defence Secretary Wes Streeting has addressed recent remarks he made about the government’s early prisoner release plan, emphasising that there was “no ill intent” behind his comments, which were inadvertently recorded on camera. A video shared by the news website Guido Fawkes captured a moment where the new Justice Secretary, Alex Norris, approached Streeting and Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood. During the exchange, Streeting referred to Norris as “the enemy now,” to which Mahmood responded, “no he’s not.” Streeting then added, “he wants to let them all out,” seemingly alluding to the controversial early release scheme.
These remarks have drawn criticism from Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch, who condemned them for appearing to make light of a policy her party strongly opposes. On social media platform X, Badenoch stated, “While Andy Burnham’s cabinet are joking about letting criminals out of prison early, Conservatives are listening to victims and will continue to fight this disgusting policy.” Both Streeting and Mahmood have since issued apologies, acknowledging the seriousness of the early release programme and expressing regret over the unintended tone of their comments.
Streeting explained in a post on X that the incident was meant as a playful reference to an old joke involving former Justice Secretary Ken Clarke. He quoted a 2017 remark by then-Prime Minister Theresa May, who had said, “When I was home secretary, I used to say ‘I locked ’em up and he let ’em out’.” Streeting stressed, “I hope everyone can see there was no ill intent behind this ribbing of the new justice secretary,” but also conveyed his understanding of the gravity of the matter, apologising for any offence caused by what he called “a moment of levity.” Similarly, Mahmood noted the serious challenges the Justice Secretary role involves, especially given the damage she says was done to the justice system by the previous Conservative government.
Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander supported Streeting’s apology, affirming that the comments did not reflect the government’s commitment to public safety or the management of the prison system. Following the Labour government’s rise to power in 2024, emergency measures were introduced to tackle significant overcrowding in prisons by releasing some inmates early. This came after warnings from the Prison Governors’ Association that prison facilities were close to capacity. Alexander defended the government’s difficult decision, explaining that without such measures, courts could be unable to sentence offenders, and police might face challenges in making arrests due to lack of available prison space
Read the full article from The BBC here: Read More
Auto Amazon Links: No products found.