In a fiery session in Parliament, Shadow Justice Secretary David Lammy erupted in response to accusations regarding the government’s handling of a migrant jail scandal, calling it a “national embarrassment.” His remarks came after the shocking revelation that Hadouch Kabatu, a small boat migrant, was mistakenly released and subsequently returned to prison five times asking to be deported, only to be turned away. Lammy’s comments underscored the chaos surrounding the government’s immigration policies, as he slammed the Justice Secretary for failing to manage a crisis that critics say is entirely of Labour’s making.
The atmosphere was charged as Lammy confronted the Justice Secretary, stating, “This government could not deport the only small boat migrant who wanted to leave.” His scathing critique highlighted the absurdity of a system that appears to only be detaining those who wish to exit the UK. “Calamity Lammy strikes again,” he declared, mocking the government’s inability to address rising violence, self-harm, and drug abuse in prisons during their tenure.
As the debate intensified, Lammy pointed to alarming statistics: violence in prisons has surged, self-harm incidents have spiked, and drug abuse has become rampant—all while prison officer numbers plummeted under the current administration. He accused the Justice Secretary of attempting to mislead the public regarding the implications of a recent sentencing review, which he claimed would actually facilitate the deportation of more foreign nationals, contrary to government assertions.
The session was a stark reminder of the political turmoil surrounding the UK’s immigration policies, with Lammy’s passionate defense of accountability resonating in the chamber. As the repercussions of the migrant jail fiasco continue to unfold, the British public is left questioning the effectiveness of current leadership and the safety of the nation’s prison system. The urgency of the situation is palpable, with calls for immediate reform echoing through the halls of power.
