Thames Valley PCC Matthew Barber has reacted to the Government announcement that two of PC Andrew Harper’s killers are set to be released early

Matthew Barber said: “PC Andrew Harper was killed in the line of duty just seven years ago. Andy Burnham promised action to prevent the early release of two of his killers and Andrew’s family, colleagues and the public he served will be rightly disappointed by the failure to act.

“The announcement that there will be emergency legislation to amend the failed Sentencing Act is welcome. There are many flaws in the legislation that risk public safety. Much needed changes to keep some of the worst rapists, sex offenders and grooming gang offenders are of course welcomed, but Andrew’s family are understandably disgusted that the case which made the Prime Minister think again is not going to be covered by these changes.

“There is a way forward to deal with this problem, and when the House of Commons returns following the Summer recess to enact this change in the law I will be championing an amendment to exclude Albert Bowers and Jessie Cole from the Government’s Early Release scheme. 

“The public expects the Government to be on their side – and on the side of our police officers – who put themselves in danger on our behalf. Andrew’s killers have shown no remorse for their awful crime. The potential early release of these two individuals has highlighted the failings in the Sentencing Act. It is important that some of the worst problems created by the Government’s plans are fixed as a result of this case, but it would be a huge disservice to Andrew and his family if despite a change in the law two of his killers were released early. This cannot be allowed to happen.”

Matthew Barber previously wrote to the Prime Minister and Lord Chancellor on 22 July, urging the Government to consider emergency legislation to prevent the early release of two of the men responsible for the killing of PC Andrew Harper under the Sentencing Act 2026.