Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham has called for a review of the government's early prisoner release scheme following concerns that offenders convicted of the killing of Police Constable Andrew Harper could become eligible for early release. The issue has prompted renewed debate over the balance between easing prison overcrowding and ensuring public confidence in the justice system, with critics arguing that those convicted of the most serious crimes should not benefit from such measures.

PC Andrew Harper was killed in 2019 while responding to the theft of a quad bike in Berkshire. Three men were convicted over his death after he became entangled in a tow rope attached to a fleeing vehicle. The case drew widespread public attention and led to calls for tougher sentencing for those responsible for the deaths of emergency workers in the line of duty.

Burnham said the possibility that those convicted in the case could be considered under the early release scheme risks undermining public trust in the criminal justice system. He has urged ministers to reassess the policy and ensure appropriate safeguards are in place for offenders convicted of the most serious violent crimes. The government has defended the broader scheme as a necessary response to prison capacity pressures while maintaining that public protection remains a priority.