Prime Minister Andy Burnham is facing significant criticism over plans to allow the early release of two men convicted in the manslaughter of PC Andrew Harper, who was killed in 2019 while attempting to stop a vehicle containing suspected bike thieves. The proposed policy, part of a broader government initiative to reduce prison populations by releasing certain offenders early, has sparked outrage among police officials, victims’ families, and former government ministers.
PC Harper, 28, was dragged to his death during the incident involving Albert Bowers and Jessie Cole, both sentenced to 13 years for their roles in the manslaughter, and Henry Long, who received a 16-year sentence and is not eligible for early release. Under the new plan, Bowers and Cole could be freed after serving half their sentences, despite previous calls for mandatory life terms for those convicted of killing emergency service workers. Long is exempt from early release under current guidelines.
The plan has drawn sharp opposition. Lissie Harper, the widow of PC Harper, described the potential release of her husband’s killers as an “absurd” and “gut punch” from the government, accusing Prime Minister Burnham of showing “nothing but disrespect” to her late husband. PC Harper’s mother, Debbie Adlam, expressed support for a possible legal challenge against the government, stating that the family is determined to pursue justice.
The Police Federation of PC Harper's Thames Valley force, chaired by Aileen O’Connor, has also threatened legal action. O’Connor condemned the plan as a betrayal of PC Harper’s legacy and police officers more broadly, noting a lack of consultation from the government on this issue. Thames Valley Police Chief Jason Hogg echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the strong public opposition to the early release.
Former Home Secretary Dame Priti Patel, who worked closely with the Harper family to enact “Harper’s Law,” mandating life sentences for the manslaughter of emergency workers, criticized Burnham for failing to uphold this legacy. She characterized the early release policy as an “insult” to the memory of PC Harper and accused the Prime Minister of betraying both the family and the police.
Government officials have defended the policy, citing prison overcrowding concerns that limit their ability to block early releases without risking systemic collapse. A Ministry of Justice spokesperson indicated that while more stringent restrictions were desired, releasing some offenders early is necessary to maintain the functioning of the justice and law enforcement system. Enhanced probation conditions, including electronic monitoring and regular drug tests, are planned for those released under the scheme.
Opposition figures have also voiced concerns. Tory leader Kemi Badenoch supported a review of the decision regarding Bowers and Cole, and Tiff Lynch, Police Federation chair for England and Wales, criticized the exclusion of those convicted of killing police officers from exemptions to early release, calling it “deeply disappointing and impossible to justify.”
As the government moves forward with the policy, the debate continues over how to balance prisoner releases with ensuring justice and safeguarding the confidence of emergency workers who risk their lives in service.