India, Aug. 11 -- Prime Minister Andy Burnham has instructed Justice Secretary Alex Norris to draw up a plan to present to Parliament that blocks the early prison release of PC Andrew Harper's killers. The decision comes after days of intensive government debate and mounting public outrage over the potential early release of Jessie Cole and Albert Bowers, who were convicted of the manslaughter of the Thames Valley Police officer in 2019. A petition launched by the Thames Valley Police Federation opposing their release has surpassed 900,000 signatures.

Details of the Dispute

Part of the Sentencing Act 2026, the emergency policy aims to reduce extreme prison overcrowding in England and Wales. It is set to take effect in October 2026.

The...