Over One Million Demand Justice for PC Andrew Harper

Next week, I will join campaigners, police representatives, and fellow MPs at Downing Street to deliver the Justice for PC Harper petition, which has now been signed by over one million people. The petition's incredible support demonstrates the strength of feeling across Newbury and West Berkshire and throughout the country.

I am proud to support the Newbury Weekly News' Justice for PC Harper campaign, alongside Thames Valley Police, the Police and Crime Commissioner, and other MPs to boost calls for action.

My thoughts remain with Andrew's loved ones. They have already experienced unimaginable suffering, and it is unacceptable that they now face further upset over whether those responsible for his death could be eligible for early release.

It is incredibly concerning that two of Andrew's killers remain eligible for early release under measures introduced to address prison overcrowding. When these changes were brought forward, ministers repeatedly assured Parliament that “the most serious offenders would be excluded from these changes”. Many people will rightly question how those involved in the death of a police officer carrying out his duty can still be eligible for early release under the scheme.

Victims deserve confidence that sentences will be served as intended, and the public deserves confidence in the justice system. Decisions involving serious offenders must be carefully considered, with the interests of victims and public confidence at the heart of the process.

The Liberal Democrats have called on the Government to bring forward emergency legislation to ensure that anyone convicted of killing an emergency worker is excluded from the early release scheme.

When over one million people sign a petition, ministers cannot simply look the other way. The public has spoken, and the strength of support behind this campaign is impossible to ignore. 

As we take this petition to Downing Street, I will continue to push for justice.

Update (27 August): Since publishing this blog post, reports have emerged that the Government is preparing to exclude PC Andrew Harper's killers from the early release scheme. If confirmed, this would be a welcome step and a testament to the tireless campaigning of Andrew's family, the policing community, and over one million people who signed the petition.