Questions surround Daniel Khalife's escape following placement at Wandsworth prison rather than the high-security Belmarsh facility. Justice Secretary Chalk has launched an inquiry, emphasising that not all terror offenders are confined to high-security prisons.
Khalife's escape is a rare event in the UK, with only one recorded case in 2021/22. Exploiting his role as a kitchen chef, he concealed himself beneath a delivery van. An urgent inquiry is underway to examine the security lapse. Initial reports suggested an hour's delay in alerting the police, affording Khalife additional escape time. The police were notified 43 minutes after the van's departure, eventually locating it without Khalife at 8.37 am, three miles away.
Concerns have been raised about the conditions at Wandsworth prison, described as "crumbling, overcrowded, and vermin-infested". Staff shortages have compromised security, with too many prisoners for the available staff. Chief Inspector of Prisons, Charlie Taylor, has underscored this issue.
