Charles Clarke

Charles Clarke, is a Member of Parliament (M.P.) for the British Labour Party. He represents the constituency of Norwich South since 1983. He was currently the Home Secretary from 15 December, 2004 to the 5th May 2006. His successor as Home Secretary was Dr John Reid.

Clarke has been a strong supporter for the UK National Identity Cards Scheme as well as supporting the war in Iraq. Furthermore, Clarke has supported the idea of introducing Student Top-Up Fees. 

Prisoner Release Controversy
On April 25, 2006, it emerged that 1,023 foreign prisoners had been freed without being considered for deportation. Among the offenders five were convicted paedophiles, 57 for violent offences, three for murder and two for manslaughter. There were also 41 burglars, 20 drug importers, 54 convicted of assault and 27 of indecent assault. The 1,023 prisoners, were released between February 1999 and March 2006. The Home Office revealed that 288 prisoners were released from prison between August 2005 and March 2006 which suggested that the problem continued after it had been raised with the government. 

The National Audit Office had stated in a report in July 2005 that preparations to remove foreign criminals from the UK should begin "much earlier", and not be left until the end of their prison sentences. Clarke has admitted that his attention was first brought to the problem on publication of this report despite the fact that prisoner releases still kept taking place till March 2006. 

On April 28, 2006, it transpired that at least five of the foreign prisoners freed without being deported have gone on to commit more serious crimes.