PC Andrew Harper's killers will remain in custody following a reversal of an early release scheme, announced by Andy Burnham. The decision, which came after weeks of pressure, means offenders guilty of manslaughter, rape, child sexual abuse, and grooming will not be released early.
The prime minister stated he understood "how strongly people feel about this issue." The change affects around 1,400 prisoners and has been welcomed by police, victims' groups, and families, including Harper's mother, Debbie Adlam.
However, critics have warned that the move could undermine progressive prison reforms and leave overcrowded prisons "one major event away from disaster." Measures outlined to free up space are expected to take longer to implement, potentially risking the orderly management of prisons.
Harper was 28 when he died in August 2019 while responding to a quad bike theft. Jessie Cole and Albert Bowers, who were 17 at the time, were sentenced to 13 years for manslaughter.