PC Harper's killers to stay in jail as PM announces changes to early release scheme

Prime Minister Andy Burnham has stated that the killers of PC Andrew Harper will remain incarcerated as part of a new government policy to address prison overcrowding. In an interview with BBC Breakfast, Burnham revealed that individuals convicted of unlawful killing, including manslaughter, will not be eligible for early release under the scheme.

This decision came in response to significant public outcry from PC Harper's family and colleagues, who opposed the release of the killers. Burnham announced plans to create prison space by deporting foreign inmates and releasing some serving indefinite sentences, primarily through ending Imprisonment for Public Protection (IPP) sentences.

These sentences, which were introduced between 2005 and 2012, allowed for the indefinite holding of offenders deemed a significant risk to the public. Burnham expressed concern that IPP inmates who had served more than their minimum term would not be released alongside those who had committed serious crimes. The government plans to implement additional measures, such as deporting foreign criminals upon sentencing and creating more cells within existing prisons, to increase capacity.

The changes, set to begin on October 1st, will affect hundreds of prisoners, including those convicted of manslaughter, indecent assault, and death by dangerous driving. While the exact number of affected individuals will be confirmed by the justice secretary in Parliament on Tuesday, Burnham emphasized the need to prioritize the release of those who have served their time before those who have not.