Justice Secretary Alex Norris has apologised to the family of PC Andrew Harper after Burnham’s reworked early release scheme will still let out his killers early:
“As I’ve said to both them, I’m very sorry we’re in this situation. We would have liked to have gone further… it comes down to the conviction type. Harper’s law has changed with a mandatory life sentence. We had to make a judgement about which offences we could take out of scope. We haven’t been able to… We’d be in a world where we couldn’t be arresting people.”
The scheme was due to release 6,000 people in the first tranche, which will be reduced to 5,000 after Burnham removed rapists, serious child sex offenders, and groomers from eligibility. Hardly more than a splash…
Thames Valley Police have said the early release is “demoralising” for all police officers and Harper’s widow said:
“This is disgusting. I am beyond appalled and bristling with anger to hear that Andrew’s killers are soon to be free to roam the streets. What abhorrent message does this send? How dare Ministers say the killing of a police officer is not enough of a ‘sickening crime’ that deserves the stiffest of punishments.
The level of disrespect the Government are showing to Andrew and other victims – and to their loved ones such as me – is beyond contempt. The killers of Andrew have shown no remorse… they robbed us of our future. They are vile criminals, and they should remain in jail.
To release them early from their already pitiful sentences is an affront to justice. The Government and the justice system have not just let me down… they have added insult to injury. They are meant to be on our side.
This is an utter betrayal – and it’s one I will not be able to forgive or forget.”
Burnham had originally said of the situation: “The main perpetrator will not be subject to any early release. Of course, others involved have potentially been identified. But I’ve spoken to the new Justice Secretary. He will review the policy and make further statements in due course.” And been unable to do anything…
Burnham confirms he spoke to Trump last night about drilling in the North Sea:
“I indicated in the phone call that we had a week last Monday that I would take a pragmatic approach when it comes to the North Sea, and that is my intention as we go forward from here. There is a resource there. When people are struggling, we can’t ignore that. Hence, me indicating that to the president…”