Prime Minister Andy Burnham has announced a pause on Labour's early prisoner release scheme following a public outcry over the potential early release of two men involved in the death of PC Andrew Harper. The scheme, which was set to release around 6,000 criminals from September, would have made Jessie Cole and Albert Bowers, passengers in the car that dragged PC Harper to his death in 2019, eligible for early release.
Burnham's announcement and public safety concerns
In a statement, Burnham declared, 'No prisoners will be let out under this policy until we have conducted an urgent review and done everything we can to minimise risk to the public. Where changes are needed, we will not hesitate to make them.' The decision comes after widespread criticism, including from the constable's widow, Lissie Harper, who called the early release scheme 'deplorable'.
Details of PC Harper's death and the offenders' sentences
PC Harper, 28, sustained fatal injuries while responding to a quad bike theft in Sulhamstead, Berkshire, in August 2019. The driver of the vehicle, Henry Long, received a 16-year sentence and is not eligible for the scheme. However, Cole and Bowers, who were passengers and each sentenced to 13 years for manslaughter in 2020, were eligible for release after serving half their sentences instead of two-thirds.
Impact and next steps
The pause halts the early release of approximately 6,000 prisoners, including Cole and Bowers, pending an urgent review. Burnham emphasized that the government will take necessary steps to ensure public safety, signaling potential changes to the policy.
