Badenoch says indecision over Harper killers' release harmed police

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 21 Oct, 23:15 · Archive

Kemi Badenoch told the Police Federation that Government indecision over releasing PC Andrew Harper's killers made officers' jobs harder.

Kemi Badenoch, the Conservative leader, addressed the Police Federation to argue that Government indecision over the early release of PC Andrew Harper's killers made his colleagues' jobs harder. She said the role of a police officer had been "made harder" in recent years, and criticised the handling of the case.

PC Andrew Harper died in 2019 after he became caught in a strap attached to a car in Sulhamstead, Berkshire, as it fled the scene of a quad bike theft. Albert Bowers and Jessie Cole were passengers in the vehicle. They were convicted of his manslaughter in 2020 and given 13-year sentences.

Prime Minister Andy Burnham initially opposed calls for further restrictions on the early release scheme after it emerged that Bowers and Cole would be eligible next year. Following a backlash, the Government announced that anyone convicted of unlawful killing, including all forms of manslaughter and death by dangerous driving, would be excluded from early release. Ms Badenoch said in her speech: "PC Andrew Harper's colleagues' jobs were made harder, when they were told his killers were going to be released early from prison." She also said police officers had not had the backing they deserve and that sacrifice and service had too often gone unrecognised.

How it is being reported

• Government indecision over release of PC Harper killers made police jobs harder, Badenoch saysThe Conservative leader is set to make a speech on ThursdayThe Independent · 21 Oct, 22:48
• Badenoch: Indecision over Harper killers’ release made police jobs harderThe Tory leader will address the Police Federation.Evening Standard · 21 Oct, 22:00

In this story: Kemi Badenoch · PC Andrew Harper · Albert Bowers · Jessie Cole · Andy Burnham · Police Federation · Sulhamstead · Berkshire

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