In a significant development, Andy Burnham has announced a review of the early prisoner release scheme set to launch this autumn, following public outrage over the potential early release of two men convicted of killing police officer Andrew Harper. The new policy, part of the Sentencing Act, will allow thousands of offenders in England and Wales to be released sooner than before, igniting fears among victims’ families and the public alike.
Controversy Over Early Release
Starting in September, the Sentencing Act will enable a shift in how long some inmates serve, with the aim of alleviating chronic overcrowding in prisons. Following the trend set by earlier governments, which have seen tens of thousands of inmates released early since 2024, the policy has sparked a backlash. Burnham, the Mayor of Greater Manchester, stated, “I can’t say that I can change the policy completely, but I will look at it in detail before we go further forward.”
The announcement comes in response to the distress expressed by the mother of PC Harper, who described the possibility of her son’s killers being released early as an “insult.” Jessie Cole and Albert Bowers were sentenced to 13 years for manslaughter, but under the new legislation, they could find themselves back on the streets well before their term is complete.
Pressure on the Prison System
Burnham acknowledged the longstanding issues within the prison system, admitting, “there is pressure on prison places,” and highlighted the lack of investment that has led to “an unacceptable situation.” He assured the public that he would collaborate closely with the justice secretary to scrutinise the details of the early release policy before it is implemented. Importantly, he confirmed that the primary perpetrator of PC Harper’s death would not be eligible for early release.
The Sentencing Act, passed earlier this year under the leadership of Sir Keir Starmer, aims to ease the strain on prisons by modifying release guidelines. This means that many prisoners could now be freed after serving just one-third of their sentences instead of the two-thirds previously required. Furthermore, the legislation discourages short prison sentences of under a year unless in exceptional circumstances.
Voices of Concern
Katie Kempen, the chief executive of Victim Support, welcomed Burnham’s commitment to reassess the early release policy, stressing the urgent need for transparency: “This review must urgently fix the fact that most victims currently have no way of knowing whether or not an offender could be released early.”
Shadow justice minister Nick Timothy from the Conservative Party echoed these concerns, stating, “Labour’s early release scheme has been catastrophic. Victims should not have to live in fear all summer waiting for a review.” Timothy added that it would be “shameful” if violent offenders, including the killers of PC Harper, were to benefit from the new policy.
Why it Matters
This review is crucial not only for the victims’ families but also for public confidence in the justice system. As the government grapples with prison overcrowding, the potential for early release of serious offenders raises fundamental questions about safety and justice. Burnham’s commitment to a thorough examination of the policy could lead to vital changes that address the concerns of victims and ensure that similar tragedies do not happen again.