Ministers apologize for jokes about prisoner early release scheme
7 reported
A video published by the news website Guido Fawkes shows Defence Secretary Wes Streeting and Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood making comments about the government’s early release scheme for prisoners, which victims have criticized as “cheap jokes.” In the recording, Streeting can be heard saying “He wants to let them all out” as Justice Secretary Alex Norris approaches, with laughter audible. Both Streeting and Mahmood have apologized, stating the early release scheme is a “serious issue.” Victims, including a child rape survivor and the mother of a police officer, have expressed anger and heartbreak over the comments. The victims’ commissioner and domestic abuse commissioner have made a rare coordinated intervention warning the scheme will put abuse victims at risk. The new Sentencing Act, which takes effect in September, includes no exemptions for prisoners convicted of serious crimes, domestic abuse, or terrorism.
What’s reported
A video published by Guido Fawkes shows Wes Streeting and Shabana Mahmood making comments about the early release scheme.
Streeting says “He wants to let them all out” as Justice Secretary Alex Norris approaches, with laughter heard.
Streeting and Mahmood have apologized, each calling the early release scheme a “serious issue.”
Victims’ commissioner Claire Waxman has written to Andy Burnham and Alex Norris urging them to review the scheme.
The new Sentencing Act starts in September and includes no exemptions for serious crimes, domestic abuse, or terrorism.
Jade Belgrove, a child rape survivor, said she is “furious” and will present a letter to Burnham and Norris.
Debbie Adlam, mother of police officer Andrew Harper, called the potential release of those responsible for her son’s death an “insult.”
Key figures
Wes Streeting, Defence Secretary
Shabana Mahmood, Home Secretary
Alex Norris, Justice Secretary
Claire Waxman, victims’ commissioner
Ciara Bergman, CEO of Rape Crisis England and Wales
Jade Belgrove, child rape survivor
Debbie Adlam, mother of Andrew Harper
Kemi Badenoch, Conservative leader
Heidi Alexander, Transport Secretary
Sources: The Guardian
