What Did He Just Say?

Authored by Steve Watson via Modernity News,In a parliamentary clash exposing deep failures in the justice system, Conservative MP Katie Lam confronted the Government over whether grooming gang perpetrators would serve their already lenient prison terms in full. The minister's reply has sparked widespread fury, highlighting a complacency that victims and the public find utterly unacceptable.When Lam asked for assurances on full sentences, Justice Minister Jake Richards pointed to prison capacity, stressing the need to ensure serious offenders "serve time at all" amid prison shortages and building programs.Yesterday, I asked the Government whether grooming gang perpetrators would serve their full sentences.

The minister seemed to say that we should be grateful that these people are serving prison sentences *at all*.

What on earth?! pic.twitter.com/saNOaE5oGJ

— Katie Lam (@Katie_Lam_MP) June 30, 2026Lam slammed the reaction: "He wouldn't even commit to that. In fact, he seemed to suggest that we should be grateful that these men are serving time in prison at all because of a lack of prison places. What planet are these people living on?"She continued, "Even if we're facing a shortage of prison places, how can it possibly be the case that grooming gang perpetrators aren't amongst the highest priority offenders...?""Ensuring that these vile men serve out their sentences isn't a nice-to-have. It's the bare minimum," Lam stressed.In a piece for GB News, Lam further outlined "This week, Parliament debated the early release of rapists and child groomers from prison. It's appalling that this subject was even up for discussion."She continued: "It's clearly true that those who've committed such heinous crimes should, at the very least, serve out their full prison sentences. But under this Government's prison plans, vile criminals like these are having their sentences cut short. They're being allowed back onto the streets after just a few years behind bars."I confronted Labour on grooming gang rapists being released from prison. Their answer should terrify you – @Katie_Lam_MP https://t.co/kG2CouYjSg