Harper killers to be excluded from early release changes
The prime minister has said people convicted of unlawful killing will not qualify for a prison release scheme aimed at easing overcrowding.
The killers of PC Andrew Harper will stay in prison after the prime minister announced changes to an early release scheme in England and Wales on Sunday. The move is intended to reduce pressure on overcrowded jails.
According to the government, anyone convicted of unlawful killing will be barred from the scheme. Andy Burnham said the change would keep hundreds of prisoners behind bars.
The announcement follows concern over how the Sentencing Act scheme would apply to serious violent offences. Harper, a Thames Valley Police officer, was killed in 2019 while responding to a burglary.
The revised rules are expected to be set out in the Sentencing Act framework as ministers seek to manage prison capacity. Further details on the scope of the exclusions are due to follow.
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