Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham has expressed confidence that the early release of PC Andrew Harper's killers can be prevented. The announcement follows significant public outcry and pressure on the government to exclude the individuals from an early release scheme designed to alleviate prison overcrowding.

PC Harper was killed in August 2019 while on duty. His killers, Jessie Cole and Albert Bowers, were convicted of manslaughter in 2020 and each sentenced to 13 years in prison. The case has resurfaced as the government considers releasing thousands of inmates early under a new scheme.

Burnham's latest statement marks a shift from previous positions. Initially, he had indicated that there was little more that could be done without jeopardizing the entire prison system's capacity. However, he now states that a new plan will be presented to Parliament in September to bar more prisoners, including Cole and Bowers, from early release.

The government's early release scheme aims to address a severe crisis of overcrowding in prisons across England and Wales, where usable capacity is nearing 100%. Ministers have warned that prison spaces could run out as early as October, necessitating the law change to permit earlier releases for certain offenders.

PC Harper's mother, Debbie Adlam, has described the situation as "a hash" and expressed turmoil over conflicting reports regarding her son's killers' potential release. The scheme allows for some offenders to be released at one-third or half of their sentence, a change from previous thresholds of 40% or half, and two-thirds to half respectively.

Following his review of the scheme after becoming Prime Minister, Burnham had already introduced exemptions for prisoners convicted of certain serious offenses, such as rape and child sex offenses. However, manslaughter convictions were not initially included, leading to criticism and renewed pressure to block the release of Harper's killers.

Conservative shadow home secretary Chris Philp accused Burnham and the Labour party of "re-traumatising victims and their families with their constant U-turns." Burnham, however, insists he has consistently pushed to address the issue since taking office.

Burnham plans to engage in discussions with other political parties to build consensus on the approach to early releases. The situation highlights the complex challenges of managing prison capacity while addressing public concerns about justice for victims.