Displaying items by tag: David Lammy

Police are searching for two inmates who were wrongly released from Wandsworth Prison within days of each other. Brahim Kaddour-Cherif, 24, an Algerian convicted sex offender, was mistakenly freed on 29 October, and 35-year-old William Smith, a convicted fraudster, on 3 November. The incidents have triggered fierce criticism of justice secretary David Lammy, who recently pledged to tighten controls after another mistaken release in Essex. Kaddour-Cherif, who overstayed a visa issued in 2019, was on the sex offenders’ register for five years, while Smith had received a 45-month sentence for multiple fraud offences but was wrongly recorded as having a suspended sentence. The ministry of justice has ordered an independent inquiry to uncover the causes of repeated failures. Prison officers report widespread confusion, overcrowding, and low morale at Wandsworth. The police are continuing the manhunt for both men, amid growing concern over the integrity of the UK’s prison system.

The UK has suspended trade talks with Israel, summoned its ambassador, and imposed sanctions on West Bank settlers in response to Israel’s escalating military operations in Gaza, which foreign secretary David Lammy called ‘morally unjustifiable’. The UK has joined France and Canada in demanding an end to military expansion and a rapid influx of humanitarian aid, as Gaza faces famine due to an eleven-week blockade. Although Israel has permitted limited aid, the UN says the assistance is vastly insufficient. Lammy condemned inflammatory remarks from Israeli officials suggesting plans to ‘cleanse Gaza’ and warned that Israel risks isolating itself internationally. Meanwhile, at least 82 people including a week-old baby were killed in Israeli airstrikes on 20 May: see

Donald Trump's presidential victory brings uncertainty for the UK, as his often unpredictable style prompts questions on future relations. Both UK and US leaders have engaged diplomatically, with Keir Starmer and foreign secretary David Lammy working to strengthen ties. Recently, Starmer and Lammy met Trump in New York, with Trump accommodating their visit - a gesture signalling diplomatic goodwill. Lammy has also made several trips to the USA, showing an effort to understand Trump’s 'America First' priorities. However, despite efforts at outreach, Lammy acknowledges potential friction, especially on European defence spending and the USA's shifting focus towards Asia. Concerns loom over future support for Ukraine, and there is apprehension about potential economic impacts, including tariffs and trade disagreements. While the UK has prepared for various outcomes, a Trump second term is expected to be marked by a transactional, sometimes tense, relationship that impacts both nations.