David Lammy expressed his shock and dismay upon discovering that another foreign criminal had been mistakenly released from prison. The Deputy Prime Minister highlighted the broader deficiencies within the criminal justice system exposed by this incident. Following the accidental release of a 24-year-old Algerian man from HMP Wandsworth on October 29, a manhunt is currently underway, with the Metropolitan Police notified on Tuesday.
This development follows Mr. Lammy’s reluctance to disclose information about asylum seekers released post the Hadush Kebatu scandal. The missing individual in this case is confirmed not to be an asylum seeker. Mr. Lammy condemned the erroneous release, emphasizing the urgent manhunt led by the Metropolitan Police to bring the individual back into custody.
Acknowledging the need for improved accountability and protection for the public, Mr. Lammy announced enhanced measures to address such failures, including an independent investigation led by Dame Lynne Owens. This incident underscores systemic issues within the criminal justice system, prompting a thorough examination by Dame Lynne Owens to rectify shortcomings and bolster public safety.
During a tense exchange at PMQs, Mr. Lammy faced scrutiny over potential additional accidental releases of asylum seekers post the Kebatu incident. Calls are mounting for Mr. Lammy to update Parliament on the latest incident involving the Algerian national’s release, despite his cautious approach during PMQs due to ongoing developments.
Jess Brown-Fuller, the Lib Dem justice spokeswoman, criticized the Ministry of Justice for yet another significant error, urging transparency and accountability in explaining the circumstances leading to the release. The Metropolitan Police confirmed their ongoing efforts to locate and re-detain the 24-year-old Algerian man mistakenly released from HMP Wandsworth.
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