Wes Streeting has issued an apology after a leaked audio captured him playfully referring to a Cabinet colleague as “the enemy” in connection with the early prisoner release program. The incident involved a light-hearted exchange between Streeting and the new Justice Secretary Alex Norris, where Streeting joked that Norris “wants to let them all out.” Streeting clarified that his comment was not meant to be malicious, but it was highlighted by Tory leader Kemi Badenoch.
The conversation took place as Norris approached Streeting and Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood. Streeting was overheard in a video recorded by The Metro stating, “You know he’s the enemy now.” Mahmood promptly responded, “No he’s not,” to which Streeting continued, “He wants to let them all out.”
The discussion referenced the contentious early prisoner release initiative introduced by the Labour party to avoid overcrowding in British prisons. Streeting took to social media to explain, “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.”
In support, Home Secretary Mahmood added, “I think everyone can see there was no ill intent behind this ribbing of the new Lord Chancellor – a role I once filled and which comes with immense challenges thanks to the vandalism inflicted on our justice system by the last Conservative government. But I appreciate this is an extremely serious issue and do not want anyone to mistake this moment of levity for a lack of serious intent.”
When questioned about the incident on BBC Radio 4’s Today Programme, Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander stated, “So Wes has apologised for those remarks. I know Wes well. I know Shabana and Alex Norris very well too. And I know that those remarks don’t reflect the seriousness with which all of them will approach matters relating to public safety and the prison system.”
Legislative amendments in the Sentencing Act now allow for the early release of prisoners serving determinate sentences after completing a third of their term. For offenses of a violent or sexual nature, individuals are released at the halfway mark. All released prisoners are subject to monitoring, including electronic tagging.
Following the release of the audio clip, Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch criticized the Labour party, stating, “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 policy.”
