Defence Secretary Wes Streeting has apologised after remarks he made about the early release of prisoners were caught by a live microphone during a conversation with Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood and new Justice Secretary Alex Norris. In the overheard exchange, Streeting told Mahmood that Norris was "the enemy now" who "wants to let them all out," prompting criticism given the sensitivity of prisoner release policy and drawing a rebuke from Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch.

Streeting said on X the remark referenced an old joke between former Tory prime minister Theresa May and ex-chancellor Kenneth Clarke, insisting there was "no ill intent" but apologising for any offence caused. Mahmood echoed this defence. The row comes as roughly 6,000 prisoners are due for early release from September under the new Sentencing Act, with ministers facing pressure over the scheme, including from the mother of murdered police officer Andrew Harper, whose son's two killers could be freed halfway through their 13-year sentences.