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2h ago

PM Excludes Manslaughter and Other Offences From Early-Release Scheme

The Prime Minister says the change will keep hundreds more people in prison, with the government fast-tracking deportations, IPP reform and other measures to free space.

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photo originally issued on 19/08/20 by Thames Valley Police of Jessie Cole (left) and Albert Bowers. The mother of Pc Andrew Harper says her family is "paying the price" after learning her son's killers remain eligible for early release under the Government's planned sentencing changes. Prime Minister Andy Burnham announced on Monday that rape, serious child sexual offences and grooming would be excluded from the scheme aimed at easing prison overcrowding. Issue date: Tuesday August 04, 2026. PA Photo. Cole and Bowers, who were passengers in the car that killed PC Harper and sentenced to 13 years for manslaughter after a trial at the Old Bailey in 2020, would become eligible for release after serving half of their sentences. Photo credit should read: Thames Valley Police/PA Wire NOTE TO EDITORS: This handout photo may only be used for editorial reporting purposes for the contemporaneous illustration of events, things or the people in the image or facts mentioned in the caption. Reuse of the picture may require further permission from the copyright holder. Photographer: Thames Valley Police Provider: Thames Valley Police/PA Wire Source: PA
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Overview

  • On Sunday the Prime Minister announced anyone convicted of unlawful killing, including manslaughter, will be barred from the early-release scheme.
  • The decision means the two men convicted over PC Andrew Harper’s death will remain in jail and ministers expect the change to keep 'hundreds' more prisoners behind bars.
  • The scheme had originally exposed about 6,000 people to earlier release and was later reduced to roughly 5,000 after prior exemptions for rape and serious child sexual offences.
  • Ministers say they will create capacity by speeding up deportations of foreign offenders, ending or reforming Imprisonment for Public Protection (IPP) sentences, repurposing cells, expanding electronic tagging and building new places.
  • Police leaders and dozens of bereaved families welcomed the move and Justice Secretary Alex Norris is due to set out full, detailed changes to Parliament when it returns.