Fed welcomes decision to block early release of PC Harper killers

3 September 2026

A successful campaign to block the early release of PC Andrew Harper’s killers demonstrates the power of policing's collective voice, says the chair of North Wales Federation.

Trystan Bevan thanked Federation members and the public for supporting the campaign to ensure two of PC Harper’s killers remain behind bars.

Led by Thames Valley Police Federation and its chair Aileen O’Connor, the campaign has helped secure changes to the early release rules so that those convicted of unlawful killing, including manslaughter, will be excluded from the scheme.

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.

 

PC Andrew Harper

 

The change means two of PC Harper’s killers, who had previously been eligible for consideration for early release, will remain in prison and will serve the remainder of their sentences.

Trystan said: “I want to say a huge thank you to our members and to the public for supporting this campaign.

“Those who signed the petition, contacted their MPs and encouraged others to get behind it all played their part.

“Police officers, Federation branches and members of the public all came together and made their feelings known. It was a very strong message and one that was impossible to ignore.

Collective voice

“What has been achieved is a powerful demonstration of what is possible when we use our collective voice.”

Trystan also praised Thames Valley Police Federation for its determination in leading the campaign.

He said: “Aileen and her Thames Valley Police Federation colleagues have been relentless.

“They have co-ordinated a national campaign, kept up the pressure, and provided a platform for our collective voices to be heard.

“It underlines what can be achieved with a strong and united Police Federation.”

Trystan added: “Most importantly, our thoughts remain with Andrew’s family, friends and colleagues. I hope this decision provides them some reassurance.

“And I hope our members can also take something from this campaign, that when we stand together and make our voices heard, we can achieve meaningful change.”

PC Harper, a Thames Valley Police officer, was killed in August 2019 after being dragged behind a car while attempting to stop a group stealing a quad bike in Berkshire.

Campaign

Two of those involved, both aged 17 at the time, were convicted of manslaughter and sentenced to 13 years in prison.

The decision to block their release was announced by Prime Minister Andy Burnham, who told the BBC it had been influenced by concerns raised by PC Harper’s family.

Mr Burnham said: “"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.”

Thames Valley Police Federation chair Aileen O'Connor 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: Members urged to write to MPs to support PC Harper petition.