Prisons ‘one major event from disaster’ after U-turn on early release scheme

Critics say the move, which will keep PC Harper’s killers in jail, leaves number of prison spaces ‘too close to the bone’ PC Andrew Harper’s killers will remain behind bars after a critical intervention by Andy Burnham, but the move has led to warnings that overcrowded prisons will be left “one major event away from di

Anyone convicted of unlawful killing - including manslaughter - won't now be eligible for early release from jail, under changes outlined by the Prime Minister.

North East families 'so happy' after PM's early prison release scheme change | ITV News  ITVX

PC Andrew Harper's mother, Debbie Adlam, has spoken out on Sunday's BBC Breakfast

PC Harper's killers WILL stay behind bars as Andy Burnham confirms changes to Labour's early release scheme  GB News

50 chief constables across the UK urged the Government to reconsider the early release scheme

Prime minister had faced criticism over moves to avert overcrowding in prisons in England and Wales

Criminals responsible for the deaths of Archie York and Maya Chappell will be excluded from plans to shorten some prison sentences, following a Chronicle campaign to keep child killers behind bars

The Prime Minister said on Sunday that victims must remain at the centre of the justice system

Ryan Prosser | Freelance News Reporter Published August 30, 2026 8:13am Updated August 30, 2026 8:20am Andy Burnham has confirmed PC Harper’s killers won’t be eligible for the early release scheme (Picture: Getty Images/AP) PC Andrew Harper’s killers will remain in prison thanks to changes to Labour’s early release sch

The prime minister says he will keep hundreds more criminals behind bars but doing so requires complex changes.

UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham moved to head off a political crisis by blocking more criminals from benefiting from early release from prison, including two men convicted for the death of a policeman in 2019.

PC Andrew Harper’s killers blocked from early release scheme  The Times

PC ANDREW Harper's killers will remain behind bars after Prime Minister Andy Burnham announced changes to the early release scheme. The PM said anyone convicted of unlawful killing - like Albert Bowers and Jessie Cole - would be exempt and would stay in prison. Albert Bowers and Jessie Cole were jailed for 13 years for

Prime Minister Andy Burnham said anyone convicted of unlawful killing would be excluded from the early release scheme.

Prime Minister Andy Burnham said anyone convicted of unlawful killing would be excluded from the early release scheme.

PC Harper's killers set to remain in jail as PM changes early release scheme  lbc.co.uk

PC Andrew Harper’s killers will remain in jail and be excluded from the early release scheme as Andy Burnham confirms anyone convicted of unlawful killing would be exempt