Gloating armed kidnapper who declared ‘big up Keir Starmer’ when freed from jail in Labour’s release scheme is let out early AGAIN

A convicted armed kidnapper who was released early from prison under the Government's controversial early-release scheme, and celebrated by declaring "big up Keir Starmer", has now been let out again after being recalled to jail. The case has reignited criticism of Labour's policy of freeing offenders before the end of their sentences to ease prison overcrowding, with the Conservatives seizing on the story to demand the scheme be scrapped.

Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch has challenged Andy Burnham, who has taken over as a senior Labour figure, to halt the early release programme, framing it as evidence the policy is failing to protect the public. The offender's public gloating over his release, followed by a further early exit despite being recalled, has been presented as emblematic of wider concerns about the scheme's implementation and oversight.