Mother of PC Harper ‘bitterly disappointed’ that son’s killers remain eligible for early release – UK politics live
Summary
The UK government decided to exclude rapists and child sexual abusers from an early prison release scheme but will still allow some killers and domestic abusers, including two men involved in the death of police officer Andrew Harper, to be eligible. Harper's family has expressed deep disappointment and frustration about this decision as the government faces prison overcrowding.Key Facts
- The UK government revised its early release plan to exclude rapists and child sexual abusers due to pressure from victims, MPs, and prison officers.
- Domestic abusers and killers, including two men jailed for manslaughter of PC Andrew Harper, remain eligible for early release.
- PC Andrew Harper died in August 2019 after injuries sustained during a chase involving a quad bike theft.
- Harper’s mother and wife expressed being upset and feeling let down by the decision to keep the killers eligible for early release.
- Justice Secretary Alex Norris said the scheme will release 5,000 prisoners over 10 months, down from a previous estimate of 6,000.
- Norris apologized to Harper’s family and explained that not making these changes would lead to prison overcrowding or system collapse.
- The government believes sentencing changes will provide long-term help to manage prison space.
- Some officials recommended increasing the early release of female prisoners due to their generally lower risk.
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