Delivering the PC Andrew Harper Petition to Downing Street

Yesterday afternoon, I joined Aileen O’Conner, Chair of the Thames Valley Police Federation, and Police and Crime Commissioner Matthew Barber at 10 Downing Street to deliver the petition calling for justice for PC Andrew Harper.

After more than one million signatures, the petition was an extraordinary and resounding show of support for PC Harper’s family, the policing community, and the principle that sentences handed down by the courts must stand. 

I know how concerning this case has been for many residents across Newbury and West Berkshire, and yesterday marked another important moment following months of campaigning from Andrew’s family, many of his former colleagues and people from across the country. Over the summer, I supported their calls by writing to the Justice Secretary, and joining MPs from across the Thames Valley in sending a joint-letter to the Prime Minister urging him to ensure those responsible remained in prison. I was also proud to support the Newbury Weekly News Justice for PC Harper campaign, together with the Thames Valley Police, the Police and Crime Commissioner, and Olivia Bailey MP. 

On Monday afternoon, the Government finally listened and changed course. It confirmed that those convicted of unlawful killing, including manslaughter, will be excluded from the early release scheme. This means the two men convicted of PC Harper’s manslaughter will not be released early. This is hugely welcome, and is testament to the determination and courage with which Andrew’s family have campaigned in his memory. Most importantly, I hope it brings some relief and reassurance to his family and former colleagues after what has been an incredibly difficult period. 

I recognise the enormous pressure that has been placed on our prison system. After years of cost-cutting and short termism, the Conservatives left the Government with a capacity crisis, with men’s prisons operating at 98% capacity and an overstretched probation service unable to effectively manage ex-offenders release. Emergency action was necessary to prevent the wider collapse of the criminal justice system, and I understand why extremely difficult decisions had to be made. 

But under no circumstances should those involved in the manslaughter of a police officer ever have been eligible for early release. After a summer of delay, the Government’s slow response in securing this exemption left victims and their families in limbo, forced to fight to restore a position that should have never been in doubt: ensuring that convicted criminals remained behind bars.

Ultimately, the Government has listened to the sheer strength of public concern and has come to the right decision.

I welcome that change, and yesterday, standing outside Downing Street, it was an honour to deliver the voices of more than one million people who supported Andrew’s family and I want to thank everyone who signed the petition or shared their support.