David Lammy expressed strong dismay and shock following the accidental release of another foreign criminal from prison. The Deputy Prime Minister highlighted broader issues within the criminal justice system as a manhunt ensues for a 24-year-old Algerian man mistakenly freed from HMP Wandsworth on October 29, with the Metropolitan Police notified on Tuesday.

This incident came to light after David Lammy declined to disclose if any asylum seekers had been released post the Hadush Kebatu scandal. The individual in question is not an asylum seeker. In his statement, Lammy condemned the release of the wanted criminal and emphasized the need for accountability and improvements in the justice system.

Emphasizing the urgency of the situation, Lammy announced stringent measures to prevent similar errors and initiated an independent investigation led by Dame Lynne Owens to uncover the root causes of accidental releases. Lammy faced scrutiny during PMQs over potential further accidental releases of asylum seekers following the Kebatu case.

The release of the Ethiopian national, Hadush Kebatu, who had sexually assaulted a minor, and this recent error have raised serious concerns. Jess Brown-Fuller, the Lib Dem justice spokeswoman, called for transparency and accountability from the Ministry of Justice, demanding a comprehensive explanation for the repeated failures.

The Met Police confirmed the man’s release and launched efforts to locate and detain him. The public expects swift action and a thorough review of the processes that led to this latest incident.