Written statement on HMP Wandsworth Independent Investigation Findings - Jan 15

Deputy Prime Minister (David Lammy): I wish to provide an update on the Independent Investigation into the escape of Daniel Khalife from HMP Wandsworth on 6 September 2023.

On 8 January 2024, the House was informed that the Investigation, which was led by Keith Bristow QPM, had concluded. At that time, it was not appropriate to provide further detail, due to the ongoing criminal proceedings and the need to protect prison security. Those proceedings have since concluded. Mr Khalife was convicted for offences under the Official Secrets Act 1911 and the Terrorism Act 2000, as well as for escaping from lawful custody. He was sentenced to a total of 14 years' and three months' imprisonment for those crimes.

Following the criminal trial, various details about events that occurred are now in the public domain, including how Mr Khalife escaped while on kitchen duty by using a makeshift sling attached to the underside of a delivery lorry. However, in the spirit of transparency and accountability, I wish to provide a fuller account of the Investigation's findings and recommendations, while also maintaining caution that prison security is not compromised by doing so.

The Investigation scrutinised five key operational themes: prisoner categorisation; security protocols and their application; assessment of escape risk; work allocation risk assessment; and operational capacity including staffing levels.

A prisoner's categorisation determines the level of security required to manage them, based on both their risk to the public and of escape. The Investigation found that the decision to hold Mr Khalife in a Category B prison was consistent with categorisation policy and based on adequate information. It also noted that Category B conditions should have been sufficient to prevent escape.

The Investigation nonetheless recommended that HMPPS consider whether improvements are needed to support the sharing of sensitive intelligence between operational partners to better inform future categorisation decisions.

HMP Wandsworth has taken meaningful steps to enhance the systems that inform categorisation decisions. Improvements include streamlining processes relating to intelligence generated by HMPPS, addressing operational backlogs and delivering staff training aligned with national standards. These improvements, combined with wider processes in place with relevant partners, support robust HMPPS decision-making relating to categorisation and prison placement.

The Investigation identified shortcomings in the application of several security protocols on the day of the escape, including prisoner and cell searches, vehicle escorting, vehicle search procedures at the prison's main gate, prisoner counting protocols and the activation of contingency plans. It recommended strengthening local searching policies, enhancing local intelligence and recording practices and adopting a more rigorous approach to security risk assessment. While not found to be material to the escape, the Investigation also recommended that the HMPPS policy framework for managing terrorist risk be updated to reflect current practice.

Since then, HMP Wandsworth has significantly strengthened its security framework. Search protocols have been revised, risk-based practices improved and the level of support from specialist search teams increased. Staff training has been prioritised to embed a more consistent and effective security culture. In addition, HMPPS has introduced an updated, internal policy framework for managing terrorist risk.

On the assessment of Mr Khalife's escape risk, the Investigation concluded that the relevant policy had been applied correctly in his case. It also noted that the low incidence of prison escapes suggests that the current approach to escape risk management is almost always sufficient. The Investigation nonetheless recommended that HMPPS review whether the current policy relating to escape risk places sufficient emphasis on prisoner behaviour outside of closed conditions, particularly where past behaviour patterns may indicate a greater risk of escape.

HMP Wandsworth has since enhanced its processes for identifying and managing escape risk. This includes improved daily monitoring, updated risk assessments, and assurance checks to ensure operational practices reflect current vulnerabilities. Furthermore, HMPPS has reviewed the national escape list policy, specifically the requirement to consider risk information, such as escape risk, from other secure environments such as police or military custody.

With regards to work allocation, the Investigation found that Mr Khalife should not have been assigned to work in the kitchen based on the local policy in place at the time. It also identified that an opportunity to remove him from this role was missed. The Investigation recommended improvements to HMP Wandsworth's work allocation process, including its risk assessment form.

HMP Wandsworth has since improved its approach to work allocation by strengthening risk assessment processes and enhancing the use of information held on HMPPS's intelligence reporting system. A new system has been introduced to ensure decisions are applied consistently and reviewed regularly, supported by targeted staff training and oversight mechanisms.

The Investigation found that whilst staffing levels at HMP Wandsworth were a broader challenge, they were not a significant factor on the day of the escape. However, the Investigation noted that wider staffing pressures may have had an indirect effect. This includes reduced time for staff to carry out essential tasks, less assurance around the quality of processes being followed, and increased cross-deployment of staff across different activities within the prison. The Investigation also highlighted the impact of staff churn on institutional knowledge and national pressure on centralised training capacity due to high volumes of new recruits. The Investigation did not find evidence that staff corruption was a factor in the escape.

Whilst the Investigation made no specific recommendations on staffing, HMP Wandsworth has taken measures to strengthen staffing and institutional resilience, including increased security personnel, targeted training, and enhanced operational awareness.

The Investigation also made several strategic recommendations to strengthen prison security more broadly. These included the need for HMP Wandsworth, supported by HMPPS, to develop a comprehensive and dynamic understanding of local security risks, implement a clear strategy to address them, and embed a stronger security culture underpinned by visible leadership. The Investigation also recommended that HMPPS and the Ministry of Justice work collaboratively with scrutiny bodies to assess whether prison performance evaluations appropriately prioritise security and risk management, and recommended that HMPPS consider how the Investigation's findings might be applied across the wider prison estate.

The prison has undertaken a comprehensive review of its security arrangements, informed by internal assessments and external scrutiny. A revised local strategy now guides operational practices, supported by strengthened leadership, improved intelligence handling, and embedded assurance processes. HMPPS and the Ministry of Justice continue to work closely with HMIP and other scrutiny bodies, including Independent Monitoring Boards, to support improvement across the system. These measures reflect a sustained commitment to enhancing security governance and provide a model for wider application across the estate.

The Government has taken the findings of the Independent Investigation into Mr Khalife's escape extremely seriously. HMP Wandsworth, HMPPS and the Ministry of Justice have acted swiftly and decisively to implement the Investigation's recommendations. Through strengthened leadership, a renewed focus on security culture, and rigorous assurance processes, the prison has addressed the vulnerabilities identified. These reforms are not only embedded, but they are also being independently tested and continuously improved.

I am confident that the actions taken have significantly strengthened prison security. We must not become complacent, however, and I have made clear the importance of maintaining this momentum, not only at HMP Wandsworth, but across the prison estate. I am resolute in ensuring that lessons are learned to help prevent incidents of this nature occurring again in the future.