Burnham ‘exploring every option’ to block early release of PC Harper’s killers

Sam Corbishley | Senior News Reporter Published August 8, 2026 3:16pm Updated August 8, 2026 3:16pm The Government has so far resisted pressure to exempt Jessie Cole (left) and Albert Bowers (right) from its early release scheme (Picture: Thames Valley Police/PA) Prime Minister Andy Burnham is ‘exploring every option’ to block the early release of PC Andrew Harper’s killers, according to reports. The Government has so far resisted pressure to exempt Jessie Cole and Albert Bowers from its early release scheme. Some 5,000 criminals are due to be let out early to free up places in overcrowded jails, down from 6,000 after the exemptions announced as part of an urgent review of the controversial scheme. But under current plans, Cole and Bowers remain eligible to be freed halfway through their 1