David Lammy facing major backlash after second foreign offender’s mistaken release
David Lammy in the House of Commons. Image Credit: House of Commons/UK Parliament/PA
Senior Labour politician and Justice Secretary David Lammy is under intense scrutiny after it emerged a second foreign national was mistakenly released from prison under his watch. The shocking revelation has triggered a political storm, putting Lammy’s leadership of the justice system in question and raising concerns about accountability and system-wide failings.
Latest Mistaken Release Sparks Political Fallout
According to reports, a 24-year-old Algerian man serving time at HM Prison Wandsworth was released in error on 29 October, yet police were only notified on 4 November.
The incident follows the earlier release of convicted sex offender Hadush Kebatu from HM Prison Chelmsford, a case that triggered an independent inquiry led by Dame Lynne Owens.
In the House of Commons, Lammy repeatedly refused to answer direct questions about whether any other “asylum-seeker offenders” had been freed erroneously, prompting accusations of evasion from opposition MPs.
What Lammy Knew, And When
It has emerged that Lammy was aware of the second release prior to the Commons session, yet he declined to confirm this publicly. According to Sky News, Lammy knew of the release when pressed but declined to answer.
Downing Street said Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer was not aware of the matter at the time. The communication breakdown has raised serious questions about ministerial oversight and transparency.
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Lammy’s Response and the Justice System Under Pressure
Justice Secretary Lammy described the earlier Kebatu mistake as “unacceptable” and blamed it on “human error”. He announced new safeguards: the “strongest release checks ever” and an urgent inspection of release mechanisms across prisons.
However, critics argue these steps are too little, too late. The Prison Officers’ Association and the prison inspectors point to deep-rooted issues, such as understaffing, outdated systems, and systemic neglect, that mere checklists cannot solve.
Political Implications and Trust in Government
The mishandled releases have become a major liability for Lammy and the government. Opposition figures describe the incidents as “national embarrassments” and say ministers are failing to safeguard public security.
Lammy’s confrontation in Parliament, when he told a shadow minister to “get a grip, man” after repeated questioning, was viewed by many as a sign of strain under pressure.
Meanwhile, 262 accidental prisoner releases were recorded between March 2024 and March 2025, a 128 % increase on the previous year, highlighting the scale of the problem.
What Happens Next: The Independent Inquiry and Reform Challenge
Dame Lynne Owens’ inquiry will investigate the root causes of the release failures, focusing on whether procedural checks were ignored, whether officials missed key data, and whether systemic pressures made errors inevitable.
Lammy has pledged accountability, but analysts warn that without wider investment and reform in the prison service, the problems may persist. Calls are mounting for clearer ministerial responsibility and for prison system reform to become a central government priority.
FAQ – What People Are Searching About David Lammy
Q1: Why is David Lammy in the news?
A1: Lammy is the UK Justice Secretary and Deputy Prime Minister facing criticism after two separate incidents in which foreign national offenders were mistakenly released from prison.
Q2: What was the first case of mistaken release?
A2: In late October 2025, Hadush Kebatu, an Ethiopian national convicted of sexual assault, was released from HMP Chelmsford instead of being transferred to an immigration detention centre. Lammy ordered an investigation.
Q3: What is the second case that emerged?
A3: On 29 October 2025, a 24-year-old Algerian man was mistakenly released from HMP Wandsworth. The Met Police were only informed days later and launched a manhunt.
Q4: What did Lammy do in response?
A4: He launched an inquiry led by Dame Lynne Owens, introduced a five-page release checklist, and pledged stricter controls, describing the failings as “unacceptable”.
Q5: Why are critics unconvinced by the response?
A5: Critics say the issues are systemic, stemming from staffing cuts, overcrowding, and outdated processes, and that checklists alone won’t fix deep flaws.
Q6: Did Lammy admit he knew about the second release when questioned?
A6: No. He was asked multiple times if other offenders had been mistakenly released and declined to answer. Subsequently it emerged he was aware of the incident.
Q7: What is the scale of the error?
A7: There were 262 recorded accidental prisoner releases between March 2024 and March 2025, highlighting a significant increase in such incidents.
Q8: What are the political consequences?
A8: The government faces reputational damage and opposition parties are demanding greater accountability. Lammy’s leadership of the justice system is under question.
Q9: What reforms are being proposed?
A9: Alongside the inquiry, calls include increased staffing of prisons, upgraded systems for release monitoring, and clearer ministerial responsibility for prison safety.
Q10: How will this affect public trust?
A10: Such high-profile errors erode public confidence in the justice system’s ability to safeguard the public and manage offenders effectively. Lammy’s response will be key to restoring trust.
