Dr Neil Shastri-Hurst writes to Shabana Mahmood about 37 prisoners released in error

Prime Minister Keir Starmer says that is 'deeply regrettable' that 37 prisoners have been released in error.

Some 37 offenders were released in error as part of the Government’s early release scheme

Stalkers and domestic abusers were among those who were accidentally released.

Dr Neil Shastri-Hurst has written to Shabana Mahmood. Here is the letter in full.

Rt. Hon. Shabana Mahmood MP

Lord Chancellor and Secretary of State for Justice

Ministry of Justice

102 Petty France

London

SWIH 9AJ

27 September 2024

Dear Shabana,

Subject: Early release of 37 prisoners

I am writing in response to the news that 37 reoffending prisoners have been let out early in error under the Government's new Early Release Scheme'. I am sure you will agree this is very concerning news and an inevitable outcome when a scheme this significant is pushed through without sufficient preparation time. It is a Government's number one duty to keep its citizens safe and it is apparent your Government has failed in this instance.

It is of further concern that as of the 26th September 2024, five of the prisoners have not been found and returned to prison further endangering the safety of U.K. citizens.

Preparing a prisoner to settle back into society so that they can thrive and avoid reoffending is a lengthy process. By shortening sentence releases to 40% I have significant worries that these prisoners will not have received this duty of care before their early release.

I note that the Chief Inspector to HM Prisons' remarks agree with my concerns when he

described this incident as, "disappointing and particularly concerning" and that there has been a "lack of quality preparation being done"

I would therefore like to ask you the following questions.

• What reassurances can you give that the public will be kept safe under your new scheme and that an error like this will not be repeated?
• What work is being done in response to this scheme to ensure that prisoners are prepared to resettle in life outside of prison and that prisoners will have suitable housing with mental health and drug health workers to support them in their transition back into society?
• What are you doing to find the five missing prisoners as soon as possible?

Yours sincerely,

Dr Neil Shastri-Hurst

Member of Parliament for Solihull West & Shirley

https://twitter.com/DrNShastriHurst/status/1839712127679893924