UK Ministers Apologize for Hot Mic Joke on Prisoner Early Release
UK Defence Secretary Wes Streeting and Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood were caught on a live microphone in the Downing Street garden joking about the early release of prisoners, referencing a past joke by Theresa May. After public backlash, both apologized on X, stating no ill intent. Prime Minister Andy Burnham rebuked them amid a review of the early release policy, prompted by the case of two men convicted of killing police officer PC Andrew Harper, whose widow condemned the policy.
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Andy Burnham Rebukes Streeting and Mahmood Over Hot Mic Joke on Prisoner Early Release
Andy Burnham, a senior UK government figure, publicly criticized cabinet ministers Wes Streeting and Shabana Mahmood after they were caught on a hot mic joking about the early release of prisoners. The incident occurred in the Downing Street garden following the first meeting of the prime minister's new cabinet. Streeting, the defence secretary, joked about new justice secretary Alex Norris wanting to 'let them all out,' referencing an old joke by former PM Theresa May about Ken Clarke. Both ministers apologized, saying there was no ill intent. The controversy comes as the prime minister reviews the early release scheme after it emerged that two men jailed for killing police officer PC Andrew Harper could be released early. PC Harper's widow, Lissie, condemned the policy as unjust to victims. Burnham said he would review the policy in detail.
Burnham Rebukes Streeting and Mahmood Over Hot Mic Joke on Prisoner Early Release
Andy Burnham, the UK Prime Minister, publicly rebuked cabinet ministers Wes Streeting and Shabana Mahmood after they were caught on a hot mic joking about the early release of prisoners. The exchange occurred in the Downing Street garden following the first cabinet meeting. Streeting joked about the new justice secretary wanting to 'let them all out,' referencing an old joke by Theresa May. Both ministers apologized, claiming no ill intent. The controversy comes as Burnham reviews the early release scheme, prompted by the case of two men convicted of killing police officer PC Andrew Harper, who may be released early. PC Harper's widow condemned the policy as unjust to victims.
UK Ministers Wes Streeting and Shabana Mahmood Apologize for Prisoner Release Joke Caught on Mic
UK Defence Secretary Wes Streeting and Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood were forced to apologize after a microphone in the Downing Street garden picked up their joking remarks about the early release of prisoners. The comments were made following the first meeting of Andy Burnham's new cabinet. Streeting was heard saying to Mahmood, referring to new Justice Secretary Alex Norris, 'You know he’s the enemy now he’s at justice, Shabana? He wants to let them all out.' Mahmood, who as former justice secretary approved the early release of thousands of prisoners to ease overcrowding, laughed and replied, 'No he’s not.' Both ministers later issued apologies on X, explaining the exchange was a reference to a joke by former Tory PM Theresa May about Ken Clarke. They expressed regret for any offense caused by the moment of levity, while emphasizing there was no ill intent.
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UK Ministers Streeting and Mahmood Apologize for Prisoner Release Joke Caught on Mic
UK Defence Secretary Wes Streeting and Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood were forced to apologize after a microphone in the Downing Street garden picked up a joke they made about the early release of prisoners. The comments were made following the first meeting of Andy Burnham's new cabinet. Streeting was heard saying to Mahmood, referring to new Justice Secretary Alex Norris, 'You know he’s the enemy now he’s at justice, Shabana? He wants to let them all out.' Mahmood, who as former justice secretary approved the early release of thousands of prisoners to ease overcrowding, laughed and replied, 'No he’s not.' Both later issued statements on X, explaining the exchange was a reference to a well-known joke between former Tory PM Theresa May and Ken Clarke. They apologized for any offense caused, stressing there was no ill intent and that they take the serious issues around the justice system seriously.
UK Ministers Streeting and Mahmood Apologize for Joke About Prisoner Early Release
UK Defence Secretary Wes Streeting and Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood were forced to apologize after a microphone in the Downing Street garden picked up a joke they made about the early release of prisoners. The exchange occurred following the first meeting of Andy Burnham's new cabinet. Referring to new Justice Secretary Alex Norris, Streeting said, 'You know he’s the enemy now he’s at justice, Shabana? He wants to let them all out.' Mahmood, who as former justice secretary approved the early release of thousands of prisoners to ease overcrowding, laughed and replied, 'No he’s not.' Both ministers later issued apologies on X, explaining the comment was a reference to a joke between former Tory PM Theresa May and former Justice Secretary Ken Clarke. They expressed regret for any offense caused by the moment of levity.