Politics LIVE: David Lammy to be grilled by MPs today as pressure mounts over bungled prison releases

David Lammy will be dragged in front of Parliament today as he faces pressure over a series of bungled prison releases.

The Justice Secretary will give his delayed statement on accidental prisoner releases this afternoon as he faces departmental questions from his Conservative opposite, Robert Jenrick.

Mr Jenrick is expected to grill the Deputy Prime Minister on three key areas, the number of prisoners accidentally released since April 1; the number still at large; and the names of those released and how many of them are violent or sexual offenders.

Stronger security checks were announced for prisons and an independent investigation was launched into releases in error after Hadush Kebatu was freed from HMP Chelmsford on October 24.

Three prisoners are now understood to be at large after being released in error.

Over the weekend, it was reported that a total of four such offenders had been released in error, with two released in June this year, and two in 2024.

On Monday, sources within the Government suggested that one of these had been returned to custody.

But in a sign of the crisis behind the scenes within the custodial estate, he is understood to have never actually been released in error, and was miscounted among those who had been.

Whether the miscounted prisoner remains in custody or was released at the correct time is unclear.

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WATCH: Ex-Commander in Chief reacts to accusations that Keir Starmer is undermining the army

Nigel Huddleston blasts Labour over today's unemployment figures

Nigel Huddleston told GB News today's unemployment figures are a "direct and immediate" result of Chancellor Rachel Reeves.

Mr Huddleston, the MP for Droitwich and Evesham, said: "It is indeed sad to see these figures.

"This is my constituent's lives being impacted here. This is a direct and immediate consequence of bad decisions made by Rachel Reeves."

Shadow Culture Secretary says veterans have 'legitimate concerns'

Nigel Huddleston has suggested "we should all be concerned" over Labour's stance on veterans.

Nine four-star generals, who signed an open letter to the Prime Minister to coincide with Armistice Day, warned that soldiers’ trust in the legal system has deteriorated so badly that it now "risks everything."

The Shadow Culture Secretary told GB News: "They've got legitimate concern and we should all be concerned.

"This is all about the consequence of withdrawing the legacy bill, a lot of our veterans feel their Government is not on their side."

Counter-terror scheme 'no longer keeping country safe' 

The Government's flagship counter-terror scheme Prevent is "no longer keeping people safe", according to a damning new review.

A three-year report by the Independent Commission on Counter Terrorism found the Government’s anti-terror programme needed a "radical overhaul", having turned away 90 per cent of people referred since 2015 because they had no obvious ideology.

It follows the inquiry into Southport killer Axel Rudakubana, who was referred to Prevent three times before the attack, but an assessment found there was "no apparent ideology."

Zack Polanski and Jeremy Corbyn blast Rupert Lowe for 'deeply un-British' social media comments

Green Party leader Zack Polanski and Your Party co-leader Jeremy Corbyn have issued a scathing attack on former Reform UK MP Rupert Lowe.

Mr Lowe, the Great Yarmouth MP said: "We need to create such a hostile and unwelcoming environment for illegal migrants that the vast majority deport themselves."

Reacting to the news, Mr Polanski told Left Foot Forward Mr Lowe's comments were: "cruel, nasty and deeply un-British”, adding "The mask is off."

Mr Corbyn, the MP for Islington North, said: "This is an utterly repulsive incitement of hatred. The hostile environment was a shameful period for this country, and it is beyond disgusting that a sitting MP would call for its return.

"We are at a dangerous moment in this country. We need an alternative that will defend the humanity or migrants and refugees, and build an inclusive society for all."

Responding to the comments, Mr Lowe said: "My proposal of an immensely hostile environment for illegal migrants has utterly enraged many on the left who believe more in the human rights of foreign murderers and paedophiles than those of the British people.

"Removing every single illegal migrant is the moral thing to do."

St George’s flags are creating 'no go zones' for National Health Service staff, health leaders warn

Senior health executives have suggested St George's flag displays are deterring workers in the National Health Service from entering certain communities.

Multiple NHS trust leaders have suggested healthcare staff report feeling threatened by the widespread presence of English flags, particularly when conducting home visits for patient care.

Healthcare managers revealed concerning statistics about workplace discrimination, with 45 per cent expressing extreme worry about prejudicial treatment of NHS personnel by patients and members of the public.

READ THE FULL STORY HERE.

Unemployment rises to highest level since Covid

Separate HMRC data showed payroll employment dropped by 32,000 in October, mirroring a revised 32,000 fall in September.

READ THE FULL STORY HERE

Government to toughen sanctions on rogue councillors in bid to 'restore trust'

Tougher sanctions for rule-breaking councillors are necessary to "clean up local politics" and restore public confidence, the Government said as it vowed to press ahead with reforms to strengthen the standards regime.

Under the proposals, councils will be able to suspend members found to have committed gross misconduct for up to six months, withhold allowances and ban individuals from premises.

In its response to a consultation on reforms, the Ministry for Housing, Communities and Local Government said there were "widespread concerns" about inconsistent use of the current rules and a lack of effective sanctions for breaches of councils’ code of conduct.