Fed welcomes U-turn over early release for PC Harper’s killers

2 September 2026

North Yorkshire Police Federation has welcomed the Prime Minister’s announcement that PC Andrew Harper’s killers will remain behind bars following changes to the early release scheme.

Branch chair Rob Bowles thanked members and the public who have supported the campaign to block their early release.

The Federation had encouraged people to contact their MPs and sign a petition calling for PC Harper’s killers to serve the sentences handed down by the courts for his manslaughter. The petition received more than one million signatures.

The Prime Minister, Andy Burnham has said that anyone convicted of unlawful killing, including manslaughter, would be excluded from the scheme. Previously it would have made two of PC Harper’s killers eligible for early release.

Prime Minister Andy Burnham

Rob said: “This is really positive news, and I want to thank all of our members who supported the campaign, wrote to their MP and signed the petition.

“PC Harper was a serving officer killed in the line of duty and his killers should not have been considered for early release in the first place.

“The fact that so many people came together and made their voices heard shows the power of a collective voice.

“Police officers, their families and members of the public stood together because they believed PC Harper’s killers should serve the sentences imposed by the courts.

Sentenced

“That strength of feeling could not be ignored and I am grateful to everyone who played their part.”

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.

Two of those involved, who were both 17, were convicted of manslaughter and sentenced to 13 years in prison.

The Prime Minister’s announcement follows a national campaign to block their early release spearheaded by Thames Valley Police Federation.

Burnham told the BBC: "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.”

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

Comfort

“They’ve had to live with the devastating consequences of his death and should never have had to face the pain and uncertainty of whether his killers would be released early.

“This decision can’t undo their terrible loss, but I hope it provides some comfort.”

Thames Valley Police Federation chair Aileen O’Connor posted 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 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.”