Streeting and Mahmood accused of making 'cheap jokes' about prisoner early release scheme

UK Defence Secretary Wes Streeting and Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood have apologised after being caught on camera making inappropriate remarks about the government's early release scheme for prisoners. The video, published by news website Guido Fawkes, shows new Justice Secretary Alex Norris walking towards Streeting and Mahmood. Streeting is heard saying: "He wants to let them all out" – an apparent reference to the early release plans – followed by laughter.

In social media apologies, Streeting said the joke referenced an old Theresa May and Ken Clarke anecdote and apologised for any offence. Mahmood added that she understood the seriousness of the issue and did not want the moment of levity to be mistaken for a lack of serious intent.

However, victims have reacted angrily. The Victims' Commissioner Claire Waxman, alongside the Domestic Abuse Commissioner, issued a rare coordinated warning that the scheme puts abuse victims at risk. From September, under the new Sentencing Act, hundreds of offenders will be released early. Unlike emergency measures early in the Labour government, the new law has no exemptions for those convicted of serious crimes, domestic abuse or terrorism.

Ciara Bergman, CEO of Rape Crisis England and Wales, said while everyone makes unfortunate comments, the early release of dangerous rapists is of serious concern for survivors. Jade Belgrove, a child rape survivor who waived her anonymity, said she is furious that their pain is seen as a cheap joke. She plans to present a letter to Andy Burnham and Norris urging them to reverse the law.

Debbie Adlam, mother of police officer Andrew Harper who died after being dragged by a getaway car, called the potential release of those responsible an insult. Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch said on social media that while Burnham's cabinet jokes about releasing criminals, Conservatives are listening to victims and will fight the policy.