A surge in the recruitment of foreign prison officers has been linked to a growing number of accidental prisoner releases across Britain, according to expert Tom Jones. The issue has raised concerns about operational risks within the prison system, with overcrowding and an unprecedented volume of remand prisoners placing immense strain on procedures.
Jones highlighted that remand prisoners, who require frequent transfers for trials and legal proceedings, face a heightened risk of errors during movements or releases. He noted that 30% of new prison officers at some facilities are foreign recruits, with nearly 2,500 international staff hired in the past three years—over a fifth of all new hires. This influx has sparked fears about communication barriers and cultural misunderstandings, potentially compromising critical job functions.
Recent cases have intensified scrutiny, including the mistaken release of migrant child sex offender Hadush Gerberslasie Kebatu and an Algerian national instead of their intended deportation. Official data reveals that foreign nationals now comprise one in eight inmates in British prisons, with a quarter of foreign sex offenders originating from Poland, Ireland, Pakistan, India, and Romania.
The debate has intensified as opposition lawmakers questioned Justice Secretary David Lammy during Prime Minister’s Questions, though he provided no details on the errors. The situation has escalated pressure on Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and the Labour government overseeing prison operations.
