Story perspectives

Burnham Urges Norris to Block Harper Killers’ Early Release

8/14/2026

Summary

Burnham Blocks Release

Minister Andy Burnham asked Justice Secretary Alex Norris to block PC Harper’s killers’ early release, saying they will stay in prison as Parliament meets in September.
Over one million signed a Police Federation petition demanding convicted men Albert Bowers and Jessie Cole remain in prison.
Bowers and Cole received 13-year manslaughter sentences and face release halfway under early-release scheme.
A poll shows 69 % oppose the early release of the two men.

Summary

UK Fast-track

The UK will launch a fast-track early-release scheme in October 2026 to free space for about 5,000 inmates.
The Sentencing Act 2026 permits release after one-third of a fixed term, but manslaughter is not exempt.
Adding a manslaughter exemption would affect roughly 1,000 inmates, reducing the eligible pool from 6,000 to about 5,000.
Prison Service warns a blanket manslaughter exemption would force further releases within 18 months, as officials also weigh deportations and repurposing female-estate cells.

History

Historical Context

The 2003 Criminal Justice Act created a one-third early-release rule, and the Home Office recorded 1,200 violent offenders freed in its first year. It built on earlier tough-on-crime measures like the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994, introduced by Home Secretary Michael Howard. In 2026, ministers Andy Burnham and Alex Norris face a plan to release roughly 5,000 inmates, reigniting confidence concerns.

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Burnham Blocks Release

Minister Andy Burnham asked Justice Secretary Alex Norris to block PC Harper’s killers’ early release, saying they will stay in prison as Parliament meets in September.
Over one million signed a Police Federation petition demanding convicted men Albert Bowers and Jessie Cole remain in prison.
Bowers and Cole received 13-year manslaughter sentences and face release halfway under early-release scheme.
A poll shows 69 % oppose the early release of the two men.

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