PC Harper campaign shows the power of a collective voice, says chair

2 September 2026

Durham Police Federation has welcomed the Government’s move to prevent two of PC Andrew Harper’s killers from being considered for early release.

Chair Louise Guest said the decision following a sustained national campaign demonstrated the strength of a united policing voice.

Prime Minister Andy Burnham announced that two men convicted of manslaughter over the death of PC Harper will remain in prison and serve the sentences imposed by the courts.

The Government announced changes to the early release rules following a sustained national campaign led by Thames Valley Police Federation and strongly supported by officers across the country, Federation branches, politicians and members of the public.

Prime Minister Andy Burnham

A petition calling for PC Harper’s killers to serve their full sentences attracted more than one million signatures, while officers and the public were urged to contact their MPs and make clear their opposition to any early release of the offenders.

Louise said: “This is a significant and welcome decision, and one that I know will be well received by police officers across the country.

“It shows that when we collectively make our voices heard, we can bring about meaningful change.

“I want to thank our members who took the time to contact their MPs, support the petition and stand alongside PC Harper’s family.

Powerful message

“Your voices were heard loud and clearly. That solidarity sent a powerful message that the sentences handed down must be respected.”

PC Harper, a Thames Valley Police officer, was killed in August 2019 when he was dragged behind a car while responding to the theft of a quad bike in Berkshire.

Two teenagers involved in the incident were convicted of manslaughter and each received a 13-year prison sentence.

Burnham announced the decision during an interview with the BBC, saying: "I heard obviously what Andrew Harper's family were saying, I mean, who couldn't?

“Nobody would want a position to arise where those guilty of killing a police officer are let out early from prison.”

Louise said: “Officers put themselves in danger every day to protect the public, and any early release of two of PC Harper’s killers would have sent a terrible message.

Reassurance

“Our thoughts remain with his family, friends and colleagues. I hope this decision provides some comfort and reassurance that the policing family stands with them.

“The Government’s U-turn is a powerful reminder of what the police family and the public can achieve when they stand together.”

Thames Valley Police Federation chair Aileen O'Connor, who launched the petition, said in a statement on LinkedIn: “We are pleased that the Government - despite what was frankly initial reluctance - has eventually listened, seen sense and made the right decision to keep these lowlifes behind bars.

“They had no option.

“The weight of public and policing opinion against such plans was overwhelming.

“The fact that more than 1 million people signed our petition over this was a historic public backing for police officers.

“The fact that 50 Chief Constables across the UK wrote an open letter calling for the Government to reconsider was unprecedented.

“The right and proper decision has been made.”

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