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Burnham Pushes Measures to Block PC Harper’s Killers’ Release

8/11/2026

24 4 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

Prime Minister Andy Burnham has asked Justice Secretary Alex Norris to explore ways to keep PC Andrew Harper’s killers in prison.
Downing Street says the two manslaughter convicts, eligible for early release in January after 13-year terms, cannot be exempted from the scheme that will free about 5,000 prisoners.
Burnham says faster deportations and using female prisons for male inmates could block the release, with proposals due in September.

History

Historical Context

The UK Parliament’s Criminal Justice Act 1993 (c. 36) expanded rules on drug trafficking, proceeds of crime, terrorism financing and insider dealing, continuing a reform wave that began with the Criminal Justice Act 1991, which introduced private prisons and created HM Inspectorate of Probation. Minister Kenneth Clarke pushed the 1993 Act to replace unit fines, while MP John Greenway sought a death-penalty amendment.

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Story summary

Prime Minister Andy Burnham has asked Justice Secretary Alex Norris to explore ways to keep PC Andrew Harper’s killers in prison.
Downing Street says the two manslaughter convicts, eligible for early release in January after 13-year terms, cannot be exempted from the scheme that will free about 5,000 prisoners.
Burnham says faster deportations and using female prisons for male inmates could block the release, with proposals due in September.

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