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Written question asked by James Wild (Conservative) on Wednesday, 20 May 2026, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 1 June 2026. It was answered by Jake Richards (Labour) on Monday, 1 June 2026 on behalf of the Ministry of Justice.


Prisoners' Release

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, what steps he is taking to reduce the time taken for the Prison Service to inform the police when a prisoner has been released in error.

Answer

Where a release in error occurs and an individual is confirmed as being unlawfully at large, prisons are required to notify the police immediately in accordance with the Joint Protocol for the Management of Unlawfully at Large cases agreed with the National Police Chiefs’ Council.

This notification is also copied to the Metropolitan Police PNC Bureau to ensure the individual’s status is recorded on the Police National Computer, and compliance with this process is centrally monitored across the prison estate.

HMPPS is working with stakeholders, including the National Police Chiefs’ Council, to strengthen the protocol further following Dame Lynne Owens’ review.


Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
3328
Session
2026-27
Subjects
Police Prisoners' release HM Prison Service
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk