The UK’s new prime minister has signaled he may intervene to prevent the early release of the men convicted of killing police officer Andrew Harper, according to multiple reports.
The BBC reports that Harper died a month after his wedding, and the case drew widespread public sympathy. The Telegraph says Prime Minister Burnham could block the early release of those who killed emergency service workers, while ITV News reports he is prepared to “explore every option” to keep Harper’s killers behind bars.
The move comes amid a broader prisons crisis, with Sky News noting that Burnham’s intervention carries risks of mistakes being made. BBC coverage describes the prisoner release row as Burnham’s first major test as prime minister.
Harper, a Thames Valley Police officer, was killed in 2019 while responding to a burglary. He was dragged along a road after becoming entangled in a vehicle’s tow rope. Four teenagers were convicted in connection with his death, with two sentenced to 13 and 16 years for manslaughter. Under standard rules, they would be eligible for release after serving two-thirds of their sentences.
The reports do not specify which prisoners Burnham might target or how he would legally block their release. The prime minister’s office has not yet issued a formal policy statement, according to the cited outlets.
What to watch next: whether Burnham introduces emergency legislation or uses existing sentencing powers to change release dates for those convicted of killing police and other emergency workers.
