Sentencing Minister Jake Richards has said it would be “wrong” to prevent the early release the killers of PC Andrew Harper. Has anyone seen where Burnham’s muscular government has gone?
He told BBC Breakfast that Harper’s Law – introduced by the Tories – had fixed the problem but couldn’t be applied retroactively:
“Harper’s law was passed in 2022 which strengthens the sentence for perpetrators who commit certain offences like that. It doesn’t work retrospectively…
Of course, we’ll continue to talk with the Harper family and indeed representatives from the police on an ongoing basis. But I have to be very clear with your viewers again and indeed them that the government have to draw a line at some point…
The new regime comes into effect in from October 1st. The sentences which have been carved out have been published online. Manslaughter is not one of those offences. A and it would be wrong to pick out individual cases within different offending cohorts. That wouldn’t be right. It wouldn’t be lawful either.”
On Sky News Richards delivered a David Brent-style line:
“We understand that people are angry. The Harper family of course are angry. The police are angry too. We’re angry, because we’re angry that we’re in this situation.”
More than two years into government and Labour are still criticising the Tories – while also praising legislation brought in under them. Have they heard of building more prison capacity?
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…”