David Lammy has expressed his dissatisfaction with the wrongful release of 179 prisoners in the past year, deeming it “unacceptable.” As the Deputy Prime Minister and Justice Secretary, Lammy has committed to revamping the outdated prison system. He introduced a new Justice ID system, utilizing digital technology to monitor individuals from their arrest, court proceedings, custody, and reintegration into society.
This innovative system will incorporate biometric technologies like fingerprints and facial scans to verify prisoners’ identities at critical junctures, including their release from custody. A substantial sum of £82 million has been allocated to minimize release errors.
The Ministry of Justice (MoJ) highlighted the necessity of replacing the antiquated system, which allows criminals to use multiple aliases, leading to confusion, errors, and premature releases. Dame Lynne Owens, a former Metropolitan Police deputy commissioner, emphasized that the issue of wrongful releases signifies a flawed system in her independent review.
The review was initiated following the mistaken release of Hadush Kebatu, a deported migrant involved in a high-profile incident in Essex. Dame Lynne’s report criticized the lack of communication among staff at HMP Chelmsford and revealed that two staff members underwent a disciplinary investigation.
Furthermore, discrepancies were identified in Kebatu’s release paperwork, with physical and digital records not aligning, resulting in his improper release. Dame Lynne underscored the importance of notifying Kebatu’s victims before misinformation spread on social media.
Acknowledging the report, David Lammy acknowledged the systemic failures that led to the rise in release errors. He attributed the problem to years of neglect and overcrowding in prisons and courts. Lammy emphasized the ongoing efforts to modernize the prison system, incorporating biometrics, the Justice ID system, and a substantial budget to rectify errors and enhance public safety.
Data from the MoJ revealed that 179 inmates were erroneously released between April 2025 and March 2026, with errors stemming from various causes such as misplaced warrants and court mistakes.
In response to Dame Lynne’s findings, Lammy emphasized the need for comprehensive reforms to address the long-standing issues in the justice system. He stressed the commitment to investing in digitization and implementing stricter protocols to prevent similar errors in the future.