Defence Secretary Wes Streeting and Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood have apologised for comments about the early release of prisoners that were picked up by a microphone. The remarks were made in a conversation with new Justice Secretary Alex Norris on Tuesday.
Streeting's Apology
In the overheard comments, Mr Streeting suggested to Ms Mahmood that Mr Norris was “the enemy now” and “wants to let them all out”. Mr Streeting said on X that the remark was referencing a joke shared between former Conservative Prime Minister Theresa May and ex-Chancellor and Home Secretary Kenneth Clarke.
He wrote: “I hope everyone can see there was no ill intent behind this ribbing of the new Justice Secretary – it was a reference to an old May/Clarke joke. But I appreciate these are very serious issues and am sorry for any offence inadvertently caused by this moment of levity.”
Mahmood's Apology
Ms Mahmood also said there was “no ill intent” about the “ribbing” of Mr Norris.
Conservative Criticism
Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch said: “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.”
