Lightning never strikes twice…(apparently)
If the old saying about lightning never striking twice is true, then someone forgot to tell John Reid and the rest of the Home Office. After the media storm last week regarding the escaped murderer from HMP Highpoint, in my constituency, I was interested to read today that two terror suspects, classed in the high-risk category, have also managed to escape from custody.
That this breach could occur is even more unbelievable considering that they were on high restrictions including curfews, tagging and surveillance.
It begs the question, “How widespread is the incompetence within the Home Office?” What hope is there for keeping lesser-risk prisoners safely behind bars, if more serious offenders can evade the security designed for detaining prisoners in connection with terrorism.
Furthermore, and crucially, why was there a shabby cover-up which was only exposed when the family of one of the men expressed concerns for his welfare.
John Reid, when he took on the role, said he would shake up the Home Office and rid it of its image as a Department where mismanagement and calamity reigned supreme.
Now that the curtain has rudely been pulled up on this pantomime farce, it is clear for all to see that he still a very long way to go…