Burnham Allows PC Harper’s Killers to Walk Free Early
4th August 2026
Pc Andrew Harper’s killers will be released from prison early under plans approved by Andy Burnham.
Criminals guilty of manslaughter will be eligible to be freed halfway through their sentences, despite Labour’s review of the scheme.
Rapists and serious child sexual offenders, including grooming-gang perpetrators, will no longer be released early following pressure from victims, MPs and front-line prison officers.
Writing in The Telegraph, Mr Burnham said he had “pushed to the very limits of what is possible” but could not exempt more criminals without the prison system “collapsing within months”.