Wes Streeting, the UK's new defence secretary, has apologized for comments made during a private conversation that were later captured on audio, referencing the government's early prisoner release scheme.

The remarks, which included labeling Justice Secretary Alex Norris as 'the enemy now' and suggesting he 'wants to let them all out', were criticized by Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch for trivializing the policy.

Both Streeting and Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood have distanced themselves from the comments, emphasizing their commitment to addressing the serious issue of early release.

Streeting described the remarks as a 'reference to an old May/Clarke joke', while Mahmood highlighted the challenges faced by the justice system.The incident has sparked debate over political rhetoric and the handling of sensitive policy discussions.

The BBC reports that the comments were part of a private exchange, with no intention to cause offense, though the controversy underscores the high stakes of criminal justice reform in the UK.