The Government’s planned early prisoner release scheme has come under renewed scrutiny after concerns that two of the men convicted over the death of PC Andrew Harper could become eligible for earlier release. Andy Burnham has acknowledged both the serious pressure on prison capacity and the need to maintain public confidence in the justice system. Lissie Harper, the late officer’s widow, described the prospect of early release as 'deplorable', saying victims and their families should not bear the consequences of overcrowded prisons. Following her husband’s death in 2019, she successfully campaigned for Harper’s Law, which strengthened sentencing for those responsible for killing emergency workers. Victims’ organisations have welcomed the review, calling for greater transparency and reassurance for families affected by serious crime. Breaking news: Burnham has decided to pause the early release scheme until it is carefully reviewed. See