Britain’s new prime minister has already found himself in the position of reprimanding one of his senior cabinet members over a controversial remark about early prisoner releases during an event.
Prime Minister Andy Burnham expressed that it is unacceptable for ministers to joke about releasing prisoners early to manage overcrowding, stating that it was appropriate for those involved to apologize. Wes Streeting, the newly appointed defense minister, was at a banquet for newly inducted ministers after Burnham was sworn in. During the event, television cameras caught Streeting making remarks, seemingly unaware of a live microphone nearby.
In the footage, Streeting mentions the new Justice Minister Alex Norris, saying, “You know, he’s the enemy now… He wants them all to go.”
The early release of prisoners, many convicted of serious crimes, has sparked significant debate in the UK and has been a reputational challenge for Sir Keir Starmer’s previous government. After Starmer was seen as a liability for the Labor Party, Burnham took over just three days ago, yet the previous issues surrounding early release policies are already resurfacing.
Under Starmer’s tenure, numerous prisoners were released early to avert a potential prison crisis. Initially presented as a temporary measure, this early release policy has now become formalized, potentially leading to lasting changes in September unless modified.
British daily telegraph memo Streeting’s comments come at a time when concerns are growing over the impending release of two individuals involved in the murder of a police officer, which could rapidly tarnish Burnham’s new leadership.
In a case from 2019, three men were convicted of manslaughter after Constable Andrew Harper was killed while being dragged by a getaway car used by thieves. They each received 13-year sentences but are now facing early release.
The mother of the fallen officer shared with a newspaper, “It makes me feel sick. Andrew’s life will never come back. It feels like a slap in the face, an insult. People get a free pass to crime in this country. I’m proud of my country, but this is not something to be proud of. There are a lot of problems going on.”
With rising concerns about early releases and ministers joking about the justice system, Prime Minister Burnham is now reportedly mulling over a review of the policy.
On Tuesday evening, Streeting extended an apology for the microphone incident, clarifying, “I want everyone to know there was no malice behind this teasing of the new Attorney General. It was a reference to an old joke. However, I understand these are very serious issues, and I apologize for any inadvertent offense caused by this flippant moment.”
The joke referenced by Streeting originally came from former Prime Minister Theresa May’s comments about her colleague Ken Clark in 2017: “When I was home secretary and he was attorney general, I used to say I locked them up and he let them out.”
