At a glance
• Justice Secretary David Lammy faced backlash after inmates were wrongly released from Wandsworth Prison, prompting criticism over repeated prison errors
• Tory MP Robert Jenrick sparked controversy on live TV by calling Lammy’s explanation “bullsh***” forcing Good Morning Britain’s host to apologise for his language
• Lammy, who stood in for the Prime Minister at Commons questions, has been accused of avoiding scrutiny despite government promises of tougher checks
David Lammy was accused of “bullsh**” in a shock live TV moment today as he responded to criticism over repeated mistaken prisoner releases.
It comes after the Justice Secretary failed to respond to questions about the errors in the Commons yesterday.
Moments later, it was revealed that another prisoner had been released from Wandsworth jail by mistake.
Mr Lammy was reportedly told by advisers that returning to the House later to make a statement would be “career suicide”.
READ MORE: Tipping Point: Inside Britain's broken justice system
Robert Jenrick, Tory shadow justice secretary, gave a scathing assessment of Mr Lammy’s conduct on ITV’s Good Morning Britain.
Live on air, he said that claims that the details of the situation were still being uncovered were “bullsh**”.
Total Bullshit says Robert Jenrick 😂😂 #gmb pic.twitter.com/RAW61LqeD7
— Chief Kegwin (@R3TRO8OY) November 6, 2025
He said: “Well it's very early in the morning and your viewers are still having their breakfast but that I'm afraid - if you excuse my language - is total b******t.”
The use of strong language forced host Kate Garraway to apologise to audiences.
Police are currently in the process of trying to track down Brahim Kaddour-Cherif, 24, who was released from HMP Wandsworth by mistake on October 29.
They are also trying to find another former inmate, Billy Smith, 35, who was reportedly let go from the prison on Monday.
The Government had already committed to enforcing the “strongest checks ever” after an independent review by Dame Lynne Owens following the release of Epping hotel offender Hadush Kebatu last month.
It is understood that Mr Lammy was briefed on the case on Tuesday night, but did not want to pre-empt a statement from the Met Police.
He appeared in the Commons for Prime Minister's Questions in place of Keir Starmer, who is in Brazil attending the COP30 climate summit.
Justice minister Alex Davies-Jones faced media questioning this morning, whilst Mr Lammy is spared by the Commons recess until Tuesday.
When asked if Mr Lammy had been shopping for a suit before PMQs, Ms Davies-Jones told BBC Radio 4's Today programme: “He wasn't out on Oxford Street shopping for a new suit.
“He was preparing for Deputy Prime Minister's Questions. He was preparing to stand in for the Prime Minister, the first ever black person to do so,” she added.
When pressed further on the matter, Ms Davies-Jones explained: “He cracked a joke because his poppy had fallen off this suit, which he also addressed during the Deputy Prime Minister's Questions.
“I don't think it's appropriate to get into the weeds of if he was shopping or not in the morning.”
