Former Prime Minister Boris Johnson has voiced strong criticism regarding the current administration's approach to the early release of individuals convicted of killing emergency service workers, specifically referencing the case of PC Andrew Harper.
In a statement, Johnson recalled meeting Lissie Harper in November 2021, the widow of PC Andrew Harper, to discuss her proposals for Harper's Law. This legislation aimed to ensure stricter punishment for criminals who kill members of the emergency services. PC Harper died in August 2019 after attempting to stop the theft of a quad bike. While attempting to apprehend the suspects, he became entangled in a tow rope attached to their getaway vehicle and was dragged for over a mile. The driver, Henry Long, then 18, and two passengers, Albert Bowers and Jessie Cole, were later found guilty of manslaughter.
Long was sentenced to 16 years, and Bowers and Cole to 13 years each. Johnson agreed with Lissie Harper and supporters that these sentences were too lenient, considering the nature of the crime. Harper's Law was subsequently passed, mandating life sentences for those who kill emergency service workers in the line of duty, though it is not retrospective.
Johnson expressed dismay at the current government's decision to implement an early-release scheme, which he claims allows offenders to be released after serving only half their sentences. He asserted that this scheme could apply to PC Harper's killers, leading to their premature release. Johnson criticized the current Prime Minister, Andy Burnham, for rejecting an option to keep prisoners with longer sentences incarcerated, a decision he claims was made despite explicit warnings about the implications for cases like PC Harper's. Johnson suggested that this early release would make the convicted individuals part of a group where approximately 25% are statistically likely to reoffend within their first year of release.
Johnson accused Burnham of making a hasty decision to release these offenders, only to reverse course under public pressure, labeling the actions as "flip flops." He further questioned the competence of the Justice Secretary, Alex Norris, in finding a solution when the Prime Minister's stance on the early-release scheme appears contradictory. Johnson argued that only the Prime Minister has the authority to resolve such issues when official channels indicate no alternative.
Citing Kemi Badenoch, Johnson suggested alternative solutions, such as repealing the Human Rights Act, deporting foreign offenders, or exploring options like renting prison spaces abroad or constructing temporary facilities. He stated that the public outcry, evidenced by a petition with over a million signatures to keep PC Harper's killers in jail, indicates the government's indifference to public sentiment on crime policy.
Johnson concluded by stating that the Prime Minister is failing a critical test and urged him to immediately scrap the early-release scheme. He also recommended that Burnham meet with Lissie Harper to demonstrate understanding and empathy.