Collective voice helped keep officers’ killers behind bars, says Fed

1 September 2026

West Mercia Police Federation’s chair said the successful campaign to prevent the early release of PC Andrew Harper’s killers showed the power of policing’s collective voice.

Gareth Spreadbury welcomed the Government’s decision to exclude those convicted of unlawful killing, including manslaughter, from the early release scheme.

It means two of PC Harper’s killers, who had previously been eligible for consideration for early release, will remain behind bars and serve the sentences handed down by the courts.

The move, announced by Prime Minister Andy Burnham at the weekend, follows a national campaign, led by Thames Valley Police Federation.

 

Prime Minister Andy Burnham

 

The campaign saw police officers, Federation members, politicians and members of the public come together to demand justice be upheld.

A petition calling for PC Harper’s killers to serve their full sentences attracted more than one million signatures, while Federation members were also encouraged to contact their MPs and make their views known.

Gareth said: “This is really positive news and a powerful example of what can be achieved when policing speaks with one strong, collective voice.

“PC Harper’s death sent shockwaves through the police family, and the prospect of the early release of two of his killers would have sent a deeply troubling message to brave officers serving communities across the country.

Standing together

“But this campaign showed the power of standing together. When police officers, staff, their families and communities speak with one voice, that voice cannot be ignored.

“I want to thank every one of our members who supported the campaign, contacted their MPs and signed the petition. Your collective voice made a difference.

“More than a million people signed the petition, sending an extraordinary and unequivocal message that the early release of PC Harper’s killers was unacceptable. That message was heard - and, importantly, it was acted upon.

“This is what can be achieved when people come together, stand together and make their voices heard.

“I’m sure this decision will be welcomed across policing and in communities throughout the country.”

Manslaughter

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 in the incident, who were both 17 at the time, were convicted of manslaughter and sentenced to 13 years in prison.

The Prime Minister’s announcement followed a sustained campaign to change the early release rules.

He 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.”

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

Campaign

“Hopefully the decision and the campaign to ensure justice is done will bring them some comfort and reassurance.”

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 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.”

READ MORE: MP welcomes regular dialogue with the Federation.