Government plans to outline exemptions for Pc Harper's killers' early release
Downing Street changes position amid pressure from PC Harper’s family and public
Last updated 11th Aug 2026
The Government is poised to announce how it intends to prevent the early release of Pc Andrew Harper's killers, among other serious offenders, when Parliament reconvenes in September.
Angela Rayner, the Communities Secretary, revealed that Justice Secretary Alex Norris will present Labour's plans to MPs once the Commons resumes following its summer adjournment.
The discussion arose due to mounting pressure from Pc Harper’s family and police to prevent the release of Jessie Cole and Albert Bowers. They were sentenced to 13 years in jail for manslaughter and are set for release in January under current guidelines.
On Monday, Downing Street conceded it was “not possible” to make exemptions for “one or two offenders” convicted of manslaughter but later affirmed that Justice Secretary Alex Norris would explore methods to ensure “a greater number of the most serious offenders” remain incarcerated.
Housing Minister Sally Jameson emphasised the focus on finding ways to keep Pc Harper’s killers behind bars: “He’s looking for solutions, and a solution’s been identified.”
Although potential options are under review, it is understood no definitive solution has been reached yet, as Norris evaluates possibilities including accelerating the deportation of foreign criminals and reviewing indeterminate sentences.
Pc Harper died from severe injuries sustained during a quad bike theft attempt in Sulhamstead, Berkshire, in 2019, when he was caught and dragged along a road.
A total of 5,000 individuals are anticipated to benefit from early release under sentencing amendments, down from an initial figure of 6,000, following a review addressing prison overcrowding.
The Prime Minister stated last week that exemptions to the early release scheme would apply to those convicted of rape, serious child sex offences, and grooming offences, adjusting the figures of released individuals accordingly.
More than 900,000 people have endorsed a petition opposing the early release of Pc Harper’s killers.
Number 10 reiterated that manslaughter of an emergency worker does not constitute “a standalone offence,” complicating exclusion efforts within manslaughter categorizations.
In an interaction with BBC Breakfast, Pc Harper’s mother, Debbie Adlam, indicated receiving a assurance call from Downing Street, expressing renewed hope regarding the killers' continued imprisonment.
Ms Adlam, from Oxfordshire, detailed her conversation with Prime Minister’s staff: “I think the fact that it’s actually come from Downing Street – I’ve got to try and have some faith in it but, at the same time, I have to protect my own feelings.”
Meanwhile, Thames Valley Police Federation chairwoman Aileen O’Connor voiced confidence in political decision-makers to align with efforts to keep the offenders jailed.
The modifications enacted as part of the Sentencing Act earlier this year have reduced terms for several offenders, with those released facing stringent probation conditions including electronic monitoring, random drug testing, and potential bans on driving.