Prisoner Early Release Scheme

Earl of Effingham Excerpts

Thursday 23rd July 2026 Lords Chamber

Asked by

[The Earl of Effingham]

To ask His Majesty’s Government, given reports that PC Andrew Harper’s killers may be eligible for early release, what assessment they have made of the prisoner early release scheme and; when will they set out whether any changes to the scheme will be implemented before the first tranche of releases in September.

[Lord in Waiting/Government Whip (Lord Katz) (Lab)]

My Lords, before turning to the substance of the noble Earl’s Question, I first pay tribute to PC Andrew Harper and his family and friends, particularly his widow, Lissie, and his mother, Debbie, who have both spoken so movingly about his case in recent days. PC Harper dedicated his life to public service, putting himself in harm’s way to protect others and uphold the rule of law. His courage, commitment and professionalism exemplified the very best of policing.

This Government inherited a prison system days from collapse. In the light of concerns raised about the application of the Sentencing Act, the Prime Minister stated a couple of days ago that the release point changes would be looked at again to ensure that everything had been fully considered before the Government set out their position.

[The Earl of Effingham (Con)]

I thank the Minister for his response. Noble Lords on the Conservative Benches have been tabling and voting for amendments to secure exemptions from this early release scheme since November last year, amendments that were defeated by noble Lords on the Government and Liberal Democrat Benches. Why did it take PC Harper’s family going to the media this week for the Government to even consider the action that your Lordships’ House was urging them to take eight months ago?

[Lord Katz (Lab)]

To be very clear, it is only right that the new Prime Minister has a look across the board at the Government’s policies. Nobody in your Lordships’ House will be in any doubt about the horrific murder of PC Andrew Harper. It is only right that the Prime Minister, along with the Lord Chancellor, looks at the scheme in place and its operation. It is the case that we faced a prison system on its knees, literally days from collapse—it was practically at 100% just before we came into office. That is why we not only passed the Sentencing Bill, so that in the long term we can reduce the demand for prison places by several thousand, but are building prison places at a rate that we have not seen since Labour was last in government. That is important. This is not the time be making political attacks. It is time to make sure that we get this policy right.