Lammy Under Fire Over Early Prisoner Releases
Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy faced a devastating question just minutes into Prime Minister's Questions (PMQs) on Wednesday, as he was pressured to explain why the Government is releasing serious criminals, including rapists and sex offenders, from jail early. Mr Lammy, who also serves as Justice Secretary, refused to apologise and instead attempted to highlight the record of the previous Conservative government.
Mr Lammy was standing in for Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, who was attending the NATO summit in Turkey. Shadow Local Government Secretary James Cleverly led the attack, accusing the Government of releasing 5,000 serious criminals, including rapists and paedophiles, early.
Cleverly Demands Apology to Victims
Mr Cleverly said: “Will he apologise to the victims of the rapists, sexual predators and paedophiles that he is planning to release early?” The Conservative MP added: “He will look back on this exchange and I think he will be shocked by how this is coming across.”
Mr Cleverly also noted that 50,000 prisoners had been released early in just two years under Labour’s watch. “I am genuinely shocked that when given the opportunity to apologise to victims, he very publicly refused to do so,” he said. He then asked Mr Lammy: “Why is he pursuing a policy that he must know is both wrong and dangerous?”
Lammy Defends Policy on Safety Grounds
In response, Mr Lammy said: “Every decision we have taken has been on the basis of public safety and justice for victims.” The Labour minister described the criticism as “rich” coming from a Conservative MP, pointing out that the Tories had cut police numbers and closed prisons. He also complained that the Conservative Party had failed to offer an alternative plan to early release of offenders.
The exchange highlights ongoing tensions over the Government's prison release policy, which has faced criticism from opposition parties and victim support groups. The Ministry of Justice has defended the measures as necessary to manage prison overcrowding, but critics argue they undermine public safety and justice for victims.
