Burnham Seeks Exemptions for PC Harper’s Killers

Prime Minister Andy Burnham has instructed Justice Secretary Alex Norris to find a way to exclude Jessie Cole and Albert Bowers, convicted of manslaughter in the death of PC Andrew Harper, from an early release scheme aimed at easing prison overcrowding. According to The Guardian, Burnham is determined to address increasing pressure from Harper’s family and police who oppose the potential January release of the two men, who were sentenced to 13 years.

Downing Street initially stated it was 'not possible' to exempt specific offenders convicted of manslaughter from the early release scheme. However, a government spokesperson later clarified that Norris would explore other possibilities. About 5,000 people are expected to be released early under sentencing changes, down from 6,000 after some exemptions were announced as part of an urgent review.

Communities Secretary Angela Rayner told The Guardian and Sky News that potential options include speeding up the deportation of foreign criminals, reviewing indefinite sentences, and looking at female prisoners’ jail terms. The early release changes were part of the Sentencing Act passed earlier this year, which cut the minimum amount of time many offenders would have to spend in prison.

The third man jailed for Harper’s manslaughter, Henry Long, received a 16-year sentence and cannot be considered for early release. The petition demanding intervention has nearly 900,000 signatures. Prison Service officials warned that changing the terms of the scheme to keep those convicted of manslaughter in jail would require further early releases within 18 months.

Victims' commissioner Claire Waxman accused Burnham of creating 'chaos and uncertainty' by flip-flopping on the issue, stating it was prolonging the torture of victims and their families. She highlighted that affected families were left in a constant state of uncertainty, with some being hospitalized due to stress.

An unprecedented joint letter from 50 police leaders condemned Labour's scheme, warning it risks undermining public safety and confidence in the criminal justice system. The signatories urged Burnham to explore every lawful option to prevent PC Harper’s killers from being freed early. This intervention underscores the growing opposition to the government's plans.

PC Andrew Harper's mother, Debbie Adlam, expressed her frustration and emotional strain due to conflicting messages from Downing Street regarding the potential release of her son's killers. In an interview with The Daily Mail, she stated she would be 'absolutely furious' if Burnham reneged on his pledge to block their early release. She emphasized that the country expects justice and described the emotional toll on her family due to the government's flip-flopping.

Burnham has ordered Justice Secretary Alex Norris to fast-track a plan for when Parliament returns next month, overriding the Ministry of Justice's claims that nothing more could be done. The National Police Chiefs Council released a joint letter from 48 UK police forces and other agencies condemning the plans, warning they risk undermining public safety and confidence in the criminal justice system.

Under the Sentencing Act 2026, prisoners in England and Wales who are serving fixed, determinate sentences will be released as early as one-third of the way through their jail time to free up space. The scheme is set to begin in October this year. Burnham paused the early release scheme for review following public backlash over the news that some rapists and child-grooming convicts might be freed.

Burnham said on August 4 that the Sentencing Act would no longer apply to those guilty of rape, serious child sex and other grooming offences. That brought the number of inmates eligible for early release to around 5,000, rather than the previously estimated 6,000. However, the exemptions do not include those convicted of manslaughter.

Experts say the British prison system is on the verge of collapse, with one of the highest imprisonment rates in Western Europe. Successive governments have grappled with unpopular options to solve the emergency. Burnham has vowed to take concerns on board but ultimately said he would see the policy through.