One Million Signatures to Stop Early Release | Glasgow News

Over one million people have signed a petition demanding the halt to the early release of two men convicted of killing Police Constable Andrew Harper, who died in 2019 after being dragged by a quad bike. Sentenced to 13 years, Albert Bowers and Jessie Cole are eligible for release next year under a government plan to ease prison overcrowding — a move sparking nationwide outrage. The petition, led by the Thames Valley Police Federation chairwoman, has galvanized public anger, especially as the scheme’s scope has shrunk after exemptions for serious sex offenders. Prime Minister Andy Burnham is now actively exploring all legal avenues to block their release, ordering the Justice Secretary to find alternatives to free up space for more serious offenders. Fifty policing leaders across the UK have urged the PM to use every lawful option to prevent their release, calling for stronger safeguards for violent criminals in future early release policies and insisting victims’ families must be prioritized. The PM, who previously reviewed the scheme, now expresses growing confidence these killers will not be released early — a stance supported by the police federation as they honor the seventh anniversary of PC Harper’s tragic death. Listen in comfort:Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to [email protected]. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/49291f923261025f