Chair welcomes decision to block PC Harper’s killers from early release

2 September 2026

Hertfordshire Police Federation chair Luke Mitchell has strongly welcomed the Prime Minister’s announcement that PC Andrew Harper’s killers will remain behind bars.

Luke thanked the members and the public who supported the campaign to block their early release.

He said its success demonstrated the power of collective action and standing together.

The Federation had encouraged people to contact their MPs and sign a petition calling for PC Harper’s killers to serve their full sentences, while a nationwide petition received more than one million signatures.

 

Prime Minister Andy Burnham

 

Prime Minister Andy Burnham announced that anyone convicted of unlawful killing, including manslaughter, will now be explicitly excluded from the early release policy. Under previous guidelines, two of PC Harper’s killers would have been eligible for early release.

Luke said: “This decision incredibly positive news and shows what we can achieve when we stand together.

“I want to say a massive thank you to our members and to the public who backed this campaign, wrote to their MPs, and signed the petition.

“PC Harper was a serving officer killed in the line of duty. His killers should never have been considered for early release in the first place.

Justice

“Police officers, their families, and members of the public stood together because they believed justice must be served.

“The fact that so many people came together and made their voices heard shows the immense power of our collective voice. This decision was the direct result of a unified front.

“I am incredibly grateful to everyone who played their part in this collective action.”

PC Harper, a Thames Valley Police officer, was tragically killed in August 2019 after being dragged behind a car while attempting to stop a group stealing a quad bike in Berkshire. Two of his killers, who were both 17 at the time, were convicted of manslaughter and sentenced to 13 years in prison.

The Prime Minister’s U-turn follows a national campaign led by the Thames Valley Police Federation.

Speaking to the BBC, Mr Burnham said he had heard the concerns of PC Harper’s family, adding: “Nobody would want a position to arise where those guilty of killing a police officer are let out early from prison.”

Luke paid tribute to Thames Valley Police Federation chair Aileen O'Connor for her ‘relentless campaign’.

Police Family

He said: “It underlines what can be achieved when we are strong and united as a Federation and police family.

“We continue to remember PC Harper, his family, friends, and colleagues.

“They have had to live with the devastating consequences of his death and should never have faced the added pain and uncertainty of whether his killers would walk free early.

“I sincerely hope this decision will bring them some comfort.”

Aileen 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 right and proper decision has been made,” she added.

READ MORE: Hertfordshire Fed stands with Cleveland colleagues after tragic deaths.