UK PM Andy Burnham announces changes to early release scheme, excluding manslaughter offenders, after PC Harper case

In an exclusive interview with BBC Breakfast, Prime Minister Andy Burnham confirmed that PC Andrew Harper's killers will remain in prison as he announced changes to the early release scheme under the Sentencing Act 2026. The scheme, designed to address prison overcrowding, would have made two of Harper's killers eligible for early release. Burnham stated that anyone convicted of unlawful killing, including all forms of manslaughter, would be excluded. To create extra prison space, he plans to deport foreign prisoners and release some inmates serving indefinite sentences (IPPs). The announcement follows campaigning by Harper's family and colleagues. Harper, a 28-year-old Thames Valley Police officer, was killed in 2019 when he was dragged along a road by a vehicle during a burglary response. His killers, Jessie Cole and Albert Bowers, were sentenced to 13 years for manslaughter in 2020. Burnham also excluded other offences like indecent assault, death by dangerous driving, historic child sex offences, and causing or allowing a child's death. He conceded the changes mean 'hundreds' more people will stay in prison, requiring additional space in a system over 97% full. The government will also end IPP sentences, with a cross-party oversight group established. The early release scheme is scheduled to start on 1 October, but the changes may not create much capacity by then. The justice secretary will give precise figures in Parliament on Tuesday. Reactions include support from Harper's mother and Thames Valley Police, but criticism from opposition and domestic abuse commissioner.