30/08/2026
If you are one of the one million-plus people who signed this petition, thank you.
PC Andrew Harper’s killers, and many others convicted of unlawful killing, including all forms of manslaughter, will remain behind bars.
Prime Minister Announces PC Andrew Harper's Killers To Stay In Jail - following relentless Thames Valley Police Federation Campaign.
Chair Aileen O'Connor reacts after Andy Burnham announced this morning the killers of PC Andrew Harper would now NOT be eligible for early release.
Aileen said: “PC Andrew Harper made the ultimate sacrifice for the job that he loved, serving communities, serving society.
“His killers should never have been considered for early release. It remains shocking that they were.
“We are pleased that the Government - despite what was frankly initial reluctance – has eventually listened, seen sense and made the right decision to keep these lowlifes behind bars.
“They had no option.
“The weight of public and policing opinion against such plans was overwhelming.
“The fact that more than 1 million people signed our petition over this was a historic public backing for police officers.
“The fact 50 Chief Constables across the UK wrote an open letter calling for the Government to reconsider was unprecedented.
“The right and proper decision has been made.”
Aileen added: “There is wider good news here that – as a result of our campaigning work – a wider collection of criminals will not be eligible for early release so there is better news today for many more families.”
Aileen concluded: “We would like to offer huge thanks to everyone who backed our campaign.
“The one million people who signed our petition and all those who offered messages of support. You have made a difference.
“Police officers put themselves in harm's way every day.
“They head towards danger when everyone else is running away.
“They do so knowing that they may never come home to their families. We have only seen in recent days in Cleveland, the danger colleagues face.
“Our thoughts remain with the families of PC Tom Clough and PC Matthew Blades.
“And – as always – our thoughts remain with Andrew’s wife Lissie, his family, friends and close colleagues in Thames Valley Police.”