Andy Burnham 'increasingly confident' of blocking early release for PC Harper's killers

The Mayor of Greater Manchester has voiced growing

The Mayor of Greater Manchester has voiced growing optimism that the men convicted of killing police officer Andrew Harper will not be freed under an early release programme, following direct engagement with Downing Street.

Speaking on Thursday, Andy Burnham said he was 'increasingly confident' that a resolution could be found to keep the offenders behind bars. His remarks came after Debbie Adlam, the mother of PC Harper, revealed she had received a late-night call from a Number 10 aide, offering a 'bit of hope' that her son's killers would be excluded from the scheme.

Adlam, who has campaigned tirelessly for justice, described the emotional toll of the uncertainty. 'It's been a rollercoaster of hope, and that in itself is draining,' she told BBC Breakfast. 'But we now have a little more hope than we did before. I have to protect my own feelings, but the fact that the call came directly from Downing Street gives me some faith.'

The prime minister has acknowledged the widespread publi…

The prime minister has acknowledged the widespread public disquiet over the possibility that those responsible for Harper's death could be released early. In a statement, he expressed his full understanding of the anguish suffered by Andrew's family and other victims who may see offenders not serve their full sentences.

The government has indicated that other measures aimed at reducing the prison population could free up capacity, allowing for a more selective approach to releasing serious offenders. This, officials suggest, might create the necessary leeway to keep Harper's killers incarcerated.

Burnham, who has been a vocal advocate for the Harper family, stressed the importance of ensuring that the public's trust in the justice system is upheld. 'We must ensure that those who commit such grave crimes face the full consequences,' he said.

As the debate continues, the Harper family and

As the debate continues, the Harper family and their supporters remain cautiously hopeful, while pressing for a definitive guarantee that the killers will not walk free early.