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<\/p>\nThe Tory Justice Minister has appeared to level blame for Daniel Khalife\u2019s escape on HMP staff working at Wandsworth.<\/p>\n
Speaking to the BBC\u2019s Laura Kuenssberg this morning, Alex Chalk said security protocols had been in place when Mr Khalife made his audacious escape, and there were an adequate number of staff.<\/p>\n
While saying he didn\u2019t want to prejudice the forthcoming inquiry, Mr Chalk left Ms Kuenssberg under the impression he was blaming human error for the security blunder.<\/p>\n
Mr Chalk said it\u2019s now clear that relevant security protocols were in place, including the headcount that must be made after goods are unloaded from a lorry, and the searches that must take place to a vehicle when it is in the \u2018airlock\u2019.<\/p>\n
He also said \u201cthe relevant security staff were in place\u201d.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Asked if the staff actually followed the rules regarded searches, Mr Chalk said that is \u201cthe real question\u201d.<\/p>\n
\u201cWere the relevant protocols followed to the extend that they should be. And that is precisely what we need this investigation – indeed the independent investigation – to get to the bottom of.\u201d<\/p>\n
The Justice Secretary said the equipment to look underneath a vehicle as it left the prison was in place, and the staff were also in place on the gate.<\/p>\n
Asked by Ms Kuenssberg whether he was therefore blaming \u201chuman error\u201d for the breakout, Mr Chalk said \u201cit would be quite wrong for me to prejudice the outcome of [the investigation].\u201d<\/p>\n
He added that while the escape was very serious, breakouts are \u201cvery rare and much rarer, incidentally, than 20 years ago\u201d.<\/p>\n
Mr Chalk pledged to \u201cgot to the bottom\u201d of the circumstances surrounding Khalife\u2019s escape.<\/p>\n