Questions need answering on early release and the PC Harper case

Like many people across West Berkshire, I've been following the recent reports about the PC Andrew Harper case with concern. After hearing from local residents, I've written to the Justice Secretary to raise those concerns directly and seek answers.

This case continues to resonate deeply across our community.

PC Andrew Harper was killed while responding to the theft of a quad bike near Sulhamstead in August 2019. Many local people remember the impact his death had on communities across West Berkshire, and it's completely understandable that recent developments have prompted a strong reaction.

Over the last few days, I've heard from constituents who are asking a simple question: why are people convicted in connection with the death of a police officer still eligible under these arrangements?

That is a fair question, and one that deserves a clear answer.

The Government has said that the prison system was left facing severe capacity pressures and that changes were needed to prevent the system from reaching crisis point. It has also recently announced that some offences will be excluded from the reforms and that additional support will be made available for victims affected by the changes.

But that does not remove the very real concerns local people have raised with me.

I've today written to the Justice Secretary to ask for clarification on why individuals convicted in connection with the death of a police officer remain eligible under the scheme, what assessment has been made of the impact on victims' families and public confidence, and whether these arrangements will be reviewed as prison capacity increases.

My focus is on ensuring local residents get answers and that the concerns they've shared with me are heard at the highest level.

Above all, my thoughts remain with PC Harper's family, friends, and former colleagues in Thames Valley Police.

I will continue to follow this issue closely and will wait for a response from the Justice Secretary.