How can Andy Burnham stop PC Harper's killers being released early?
Summary
UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham is reviewing a law that allows early release of many prisoners to reduce overcrowding in prisons. He wants to stop serious offenders, including those convicted of manslaughter of PC Andrew Harper, from being released early by focusing on changes like releasing fewer female prisoners and deporting some foreign prisoners.Key Facts
- The Sentencing Act 2026 allows many prisoners to be released earlier to ease overcrowded prisons.
- Prisons in England and Wales are almost full, holding about 86,536 prisoners at 97% capacity.
- Serious offenders like rapists, child sex offenders, and members of grooming gangs are excluded from early release.
- Some manslaughter convicts, including PC Andrew Harper’s killers, are still eligible for early release.
- Female prisoners are about 4% of the population, often convicted of less violent crimes, and many are mothers.
- Reducing women’s prisons could create space but may separate inmates from their families and requires changes due to security differences.
- About 12% of prisoners are foreign nationals; some could be deported earlier to reduce the prison population.
- A clause in the law could deport foreign prisoners at sentencing but has not been used yet.
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