Prime Minister Andy Burnham said he is increasingly confident he can stop the early release of two men convicted of manslaughter [1].

The case has sparked significant public outcry across the United Kingdom. The potential release of the convicts under the parole scheme has raised concerns regarding justice for the victim and the safety of the public.

Burnham addressed the issue during an ITV Evening News broadcast on Tuesday. He said, "I've heard the depth of concern across the country about the potential release of the killers of Andrew Harper."

The case stems from the 2019 killing of PC Andrew Harper in Berkshire [2]. Two men were convicted of manslaughter for the death [1]. Despite their eligibility for early release, the Prime Minister indicated that the government is seeking ways to exempt these specific offenders from the current parole scheme.

Burnham said the government is working to increase prison spaces to reduce the overall number of early releases. He said this effort is particularly focused on serious offenders like those involved in the Harper case [3].

To formalize this approach, the Justice Secretary is expected to present a plan to Members of Parliament in September 2026 [4]. This plan aims to prevent more early releases of high-profile serious offenders.

There have been conflicting reports regarding the government's position on the matter. While some reports suggest the government performed a u-turn after facing pressure, Burnham said during the broadcast that "nothing has changed" regarding the official stance [5].

Burnham said the focus remains on ensuring that the severity of the crime is reflected in the time served by the convicts.

“"I've heard the depth of concern across the country about the potential release of the killers of Andrew Harper."”

This situation highlights a tension between established parole laws and public demand for retribution in high-profile crimes. By proposing a specific plan to exempt certain offenders from early release, the government is attempting to balance systemic prison overcrowding with the political necessity of maintaining public confidence in the justice system.