How can Andy Burnham stop PC Harper's killers being released early?
UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham is seeking to amend the Sentencing Act 2026 to prevent the early release of serious offenders, including the killers of PC Andrew Harper. This move follows public outcry and aims to address prison overcrowding while maintaining public safety.
Why it matters
The tension between prison capacity and public safety is a critical policy challenge that directly impacts judicial integrity and victim advocacy.
Image source, Family handout Image caption, PC Harper was killed on duty in 2019, just four weeks after getting married
Just three weeks after becoming prime minister, Andy Burnham is already unpicking a key piece of legislation passed under his predecessor Sir Keir Starmer.
The Sentencing Act 2026 was designed to produce a semi-permanent solution to the prisons overcrowding crisis, by releasing large numbers of prisoners earlier than had been previously planned.
After ordering a review, Burnham announced that he would exclude most rapists, child sex offenders and members of grooming gangs from the legislation.
But that left many people convicted of manslaughter still eligible for early release, including two of the men convicted of the manslaughter of PC Andrew Harper - prompting outcry from his family and former colleagues.
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