Burnham to review early prisoner release scheme amid anger over potential freeing of PC Harper’s killers – UK politics live
From2h agoEarly prisoner release scheme will be reviewed, says BurnhamWe have more from Bath where the prime minister has been speaking to reporters. Andy Burnhamhas indicated that he wouldreview the early. . .
From2h agoEarly prisoner release scheme will be reviewed, says BurnhamWe have more from Bath where the prime minister has been speaking to reporters. Andy Burnhamhas indicated that he wouldreview the early prisoner release policy before it goes ahead. Hundreds of offenders will start being released early under the new Sentencing Act from September. Unlike the emergency measures in the early months of theLabourgovernment, in which tens of thousands of prisoners were released as prisons ran out of space, the new sentencing law includes no exemptions for prisoners convicted of serious crimes, domestic abuse or terrorism. PA has reported more of Burnham’s remarks:double quotation markAll I can say isI will review the whole of this policy. Nobody can deny the pressure on prison places. We did not invest in the prison estate when we should as a country, going back a decade or so ago, when it was clear that there was going to be pressure. That has created an unacceptable situation now. But I want to assure myself thateverything has been looked at before this policy proceeds,and I can give that assurance that every single part of this I will look into with the justice secretary. I can’t say that I can change the policy completely,but I will look at it in detail before we go further forward. ”Key events3m agoBurnham says £2 bus fare cap originally his idea35m agoIsrael's conduct has 'fallen short' of standards UK sets for allies, says Streeting40m agoCould PC Andrew Harper's killers be freed under early prisoner release scheme?1h agoGreen party calls for free bus travel for young people1h agoBurnham: 'We will honour Nato funding commitments'1h ago'No commitment made' to raise income tax personal allowance, says Burnham2h agoEarly prisoner release scheme will be reviewed, says Burnham2h agoStreeting: Trump was right to ask Europe for more on defence2h agoBurnham says main perpetrator in killing of PC Andrew Harper 'will not be subject to early release'2h agoNew defence secretary Streeting giving speech - watch live3h agoBoost for Burnham as UK inflation drops by more than expected4h agoAndy Burnham's new government faces questions on funding after announcing £2 bus fare cap in EnglandBurnham says £2 bus fare cap originally his ideaAndy Burnhamhas insisted the £2 single bus fare cap in England was his idea, after he was asked by reporters about“bringing back Boris Johnson’s policy”. Johnson’s Conservative government announced the policy in 2022 and introduced the £2 cap in January the following year (after the former prime minister stepped down). The cap was increased to £3 by Keir Starmer and Rachel Reeves in 2024, although some areas – including London and Greater Manchester, where Burnham set a £2 limit as mayor – have lower top rates for single tickets. Andy Burnham speaks to reporters in Bath. Photograph: Toby Melville/Reuters“It was actually my policy originallyas mayor of Greater Manchester, but I worked with Boris to take it national, and it was hugely popular because it’s simple but it saves people money every day,” the prime minister told reporters during a visit in Bath. “So I think it will really help people with the cost-of-living pressures they’re facing. “It’s there for the whole of 2027, and I think it will put money in people’s pockets. ”Israel's conduct has 'fallen short' of standards UK sets for allies, says StreetingDan SabbaghDefence secretaryWes Streetingsaid thatIsrael has “fallen short” of British standardsin its intense bombing of Gaza and its military operations in the West Bank in a briefing to journalists at the Farnborough airshow. The newly appointed minister said that he stood by comments he had previously made in a July 2025 WhatsApp exchange with Peter Mandelson that “Israel is committing war crimes before our eyes”. A view of destruction in Jabalia, Gaza, pictured in January 2025. Photograph: Anadolu/Getty Images“I’m not going to pretend I didn’t make those comments,” Streeting said, although he noted that any decisions on future arms exports to Israel would be part of a “clear framework” across the UK government. Streeting, in his second day in the job, then went on to offer a degree of criticism of Israel and its military campaign that was notable for a British defence minister:double quotation markI believe very strongly in Israel’s right to defend itself, to defend its values, its freedom, and its democracy, just as we do every single day. But I also hold Israel, as a friend and ally, to the same standard that we hold ourselves to. That is the standard that should be applied to Israel. That is the standard that I think I feel they’ve fallen short of. We’ve got a responsibility as a country to make sure that we’re good friends. We’re good friends who are also critical friends when necessary. ”Could PC Andrew Harper's killers be freed under early prisoner release scheme?Andy Burnhamsaid he will review the early prisoner release scheme before it comes into effect in September, meaning the killers ofPC Andrew Harper, who may have been eligible for early release under the scheme, may no longer qualify. Harper was dragged to his death in August 2019 after becoming tangled in a crane strap attached to the back of a getaway car. The 28-year-old Thames Valley police officer had been called out after reports that teenagers were trying to steal a quad bike. Jessie ColeandAlbert Bowers,who were passengers in the car and both 17 years old at the time, were handed 13 years in custody for manslaughter after a trial at the Old Bailey in 2020. Both might be eligible for release from prison halfway through their sentences, the Ministry of Justice has confirmed. Harper’s mother,Debbie Adlam, told The Telegraph that their potential early release“feels like a slap in the face and an insult”. Henry Long, Jessie Cole and Albert Bowers. Photograph: Thames Valley Police/PAUnder the new Sentencing Act, set to come into force in September, about 6,000 people are set to be released under the early prison release scheme. The driver of the vehicle which caused Harper’s death,Henry Long,received a 16-year sentence,and will not be eligible for the scheme. This was confirmed by Burnham as he spoke to reporters during a visit in Bath today. He said: “I feel for the family it’s an appalling crime that was committed. “The main perpetrator [Long] will not be subject to any early release. Of course, others involved have potentially been identified. ”He also said it was not acceptable for two of his ministers,Wes StreetingandShabana Mahmood,to joke about the early release scheme, after they were caught on camera doing so yesterday. They have both apologised and said the early release scheme was a “serious issue”. Read more on that story here:Green party calls for free bus travel for young peopleThe Green party has called for free bus travel for people aged under 22as it reacted tothe government’s £2 bus fare cap policyannounced this morning. In a statement, a Green party spokesperson said:double quotation markOn buses we’ve now gone full circle – we are heading back to the £2 cap introduced by the Conservatives and raised to £3 under Keir Starmer. Temporary cuts to bus fares are welcome but we need a new direction of travel. We need to permanently offer free travel to all those under 22. And we need to seeextensive investment in routes and an increase in servicesso that taking the bus is a realistic option for many more communities across England. Lower fares are no use if buses aren’t there in the first place. ”Burnham: 'We will honour Nato funding commitments'Andy Burnhamsaid he would honour the UK’s commitments toNato, including the agreement to allocate3. 5% of GDP to defence spending. When asked whetherJohn Healey,the new chancellor, has his “blessing” to hike defence spending, the prime minister said:double quotation markI was very proud to appoint John Healey as chancellor, somebody of really deep experience who will bring all of that to this new role, including his experience of defence. We want to send a very clear message as prime minister and chancellor to our international colleagues that we will honour the commitments we’ve made as part of Nato to defence. And I mentioned the same in Downing Street on Monday as I was appointed. So, you know,this is about Britain regaining its reputation for stability,for delivering on what we say we will do. And John Healey is obviously extremely well placed to do that. ”'No commitment made' to raise income tax personal allowance, says BurnhamThe prime minister said he has made“no commitment” to change the income tax personal allowancebut that he will“look at that at the budget”. When asked by reporters whether he was planning to increase the tax-free personal allowance from £12,570,Andy Burnhamsaid:double quotation markI want to answer questions honestly in this job, as I said before. I think that’s all about trust in politics and doing politics differently, and I’m determined to keep working in that way. It was raised a lot, but I then went on to say, ‘But we’ll have to look at it at the budget alongside everything else’. Sono commitment, no unfunded promise. There is no commitment at this point to change,but we will look at that at the budget. ”Early prisoner release scheme will be reviewed, says BurnhamWe have more from Bath where the prime minister has been speaking to reporters. Andy Burnhamhas indicated that he wouldreview the early prisoner release policy before it goes ahead. Hundreds of offenders will start being released early under the new Sentencing Act from September. Unlike the emergency measures in the early months of theLabourgovernment, in which tens of thousands of prisoners were released as prisons ran out of space, the new sentencing law includes no exemptions for prisoners convicted of serious crimes, domestic abuse or terrorism. PA has reported more of Burnham’s remarks:double quotation markAll I can say isI will review the whole of this policy. Nobody can deny the pressure on prison places. We did not invest in the prison estate when we should as a country, going back a decade or so ago, when it was clear that there was going to be pressure. That has created an unacceptable situation now. But I want to assure myself thateverything has been looked at before this policy proceeds,and I can give that assurance that every single part of this I will look into with the justice secretary. I can’t say that I can change the policy completely,but I will look at it in detail before we go further forward. ”Streeting: Trump was right to ask Europe for more on defenceWes Streetingsaid the US president was “right” to demand Europe pays more for its own defence. Donald Trumphas beenincreasingly critical of Europefor relying too much on the US for its security, and has demanded Nato allies reach 5% of GDP on defence spending by 2035. Defence secretary Wes Streeting speaking at the Farnborough airshow in Hampshire. Photograph: Andrew Matthews/PASpeaking at the Farnborough airshow, Streeting said:double quotation markPresident Trump has called on Europe to carry a greater share of the burden for our own defence,and he is right to do so. The UK has always been a leading light on defence spending, but the world is changing and in these dangerous uncertain times it is clear thatwe have needed to go further. That’s why we’ve committed £298bn over the next four years, including an additional £15bn on top of last year’s spending review settlement. At the recent Nato summit, all members reaffirmed our commitment to 3. 5 by 35 [3. 5% of GDP by 2035]. Burnham says main perpetrator in killing of PC Andrew Harper 'will not be subject to early release'Andy Burnhamis also speaking to reporters during a visit to Bath. The prime minister said the main perpetrator in the killing of PC Andrew Harper“will not be subject to any early release”,PA reports. The mother of Harper – who died from his injuries when he was caught in a strap attached to the back of a car and dragged for more than a mile – had called it an “insult” that two of her son’s killers could be eligible for early release. We will bring you more as we get it. New defence secretary Streeting giving speech - watch liveWes Streetingis speaking now at the Farnborough airshow, you can watch here:Defence Secretary Wes Streeting to announce new investment into air combat technology - watch liveThe new defence secretaryWes Streetingis in Hampshire for the Farnborough airshow, where he is expected to speak in a couple of minutes. We will bring you the latest lines. PA has reported some of his earlier remarks about the armed forces needing to boost their use of artificial intelligence (AI). He described a new deal with BAE Systems as a “groundbreaking moment for UK defence”, adding: “We must match the speed at which our adversaries are developing AI technology. ”BAE Systems announced the Ministry of Defence has given it a contract extension worth £708m to continue developing a next generation combat aircraft as part of theglobal combat air programme. Meanwhile, the new energy secretaryMiatta Fahnbullehwas met by campaigners from Fossil Free London outside the Department of Energy Security and Net Zero this morning, demanding that she scrap the Rosebank oilfield,Damian Carringtonreports. Protesters dressed as firefighters held placards reading, ‘We’re already putting out fires, don’t start new ones. ’Robin Wells, director of Fossil Free London said: “We all deserve to know where our next meal is coming from, to feel safe in our homes and have faith for our future. But the stability of our food supply, the integrity of our homes and the future of organised society is in serious jeopardy due to the gouging of new fossil fuels out of our UK seas. Fossil Free London protesters hold signs and placards in front of the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero. Photograph: Denise Baker/Getty Images“With Rosebank and Jackdaw, Big Oil billionaires are pointing a flame thrower at our health and security and the government could soon pull the trigger. ”Andy Burnham is likely to approvethe two fields according to recent speculation. Labour’s 2024 manifesto pledged to honour existing exploration licences but not issue new ones. So-called “tiebacks”, where offshore oil and gasfields are connected to already approved production facilities via pipelines, may provide a loophole. Despite suggestions from opposition politicians, the new fields are too small to reduce energy bills, increase energy security orprovide many jobs. Fahnbulleh has been astrong supporter of climate actionand the drive to net zero emissions. In 2025, when energy minister, she told the Commons: “We will sprint to clean power, because that is the route by which we achieve energy security for the country … we are on the right side of history and on the side of consumers. ”Boost for Burnham as UK inflation drops by more than expectedPhillip InmanUK inflation dropped by more than expected in June to 2. 6%, in a boost for Burnham’s plans to reduce the cost of living. The new prime minister has pledged tobring down the cost of livingto give households more disposable income and improve the outlook for the economy, announcing awinter VAT cut on electricity billsandlowering the cap on bus faresin England. Last month’s consumer prices index reading outdid economists’ forecasts of a slidefrom 2. 8% in Mayto 2. 7%, amid a fall in the prices of fuel, particularly diesel, helped by the unstable truce in the Middle East conflict. TheOffice for National Statisticssaid clothing also dropped in price month on month along with the cost of transport and food, offsetting modest price increases in most other goods and services. Grant Fitzner, the ONS chief economist, said:double quotation markFood prices fell this month, driven by products including chocolate, margarine and beef. Clothing prices also fell with the start of summer sales, with bigger discounts than last year. The cost of raw materials dipped for the first time since January, mainly due to the lower price of crude oil, while the increase in the costs of goods leaving factories slowed again. However, analysts pointed out the reprieve is likely to be temporary, with the recentescalation of hostilities in the Middle Eastpushing the price of Brent crude back up above $90 a barrel this week. You can read more here:Also this morning,Heidi Alexanderdeclined to answer whethertwo men jailed for the death of PC Andrew Harper will be eligible for early releaseunderLabourplans to tackle overcrowding in prisons. Harper sustained fatal injuries while responding to a quad bike theft in Sulhamstead, Berkshire, in August 2019. He died after getting caught in a strap attached to the back of a car and dragged down a country road as three teenage suspects fled the scene of the burglary. The transport secretary said ministers had to make“difficult but necessary decisions”,but added that the driver of the car which fatally dragged Harper along a road in 2019 would not be eligible for automatic release, although his two passengers could be eligible to get out halfway through their sentences. PC Andrew Harper was 28 years old when he sustained fatal injuries while responding to a quad bike theft in Sulhamstead, Berkshire, in August 2019. Photograph: Thames Valley Police/PAAlexander told BBC Breakfast: “It was a horrific crime that happened. There were three individuals in the car at the time that that incident happened. “The individual who was behind the wheel was given a longer sentence than the other two people in the car. That individual, the person behind the wheel, has been barred from any of these sentencing changes and he will have to face a parole board before he sees the light of day. “This government did have to take some difficult decisions back in the summer of 2024. When we entered government, there was a day when there were about 100 prison spaces left because the previous government had failed to build the prison spaces that his country needs. ”My colleaguesKiran StaceyandPeter Walkertake a closer look at the questions on how the government will finance its spending pledges:double quotation markOn his first full day in power, the prime minister faced questions about how he would fund the removal of VAT from electricity bills and an expected uplift in defence spending – an issue that led his new chancellor, John Healey, to resign as Keir Starmer’s defence secretary last month. Downing Street said on Tuesday that the tax cut was funded for the next financial year, but money would have to be found in future years from existing departmental budgets, suggesting spending cuts to come. No 10 has also ruled out using defence bonds to pay for higher military spending. The Guardian has also learned Burnham plans to accelerate the timetable for implementing his promise to roll out a national care service, a move that could cost further money before the election. Read the full report here:We have more comments from transport secretaryHeidi Alexanderwho was on the media round this morning answering questionson the new £2 bus fare cap. The government said this morning that the cap would be funded by reprioritising the energy budget, essentially money that was going to be given to third countries for climate projects as a grant will be now be given as a loan which has to be paid back. When pressed for more details by Sky News, Alexander said they will“need to be worked out”. She also said she was not sure whether developing countries will have to pay the UK interest on the loans. Andy Burnham's new government faces questions on funding after announcing £2 bus fare cap in EnglandGood morning and welcome to our live coverage of UK politics. Andy Burnham’snew government is facing fresh questions on how it will fund its new policies aimed at easing the cost of living,after the prime minister announceda £2 cap on single bus fares this morning. The cap on single bus fares in England will be in place from January, reducing the current cap of £3. The government said the measure is backed by £454m of funding, including money to allow devolved governments to take similar action. About £400m of that funding will come from switching investment in international climate finance to loans, with the rest from savings in the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero budget. Prime minister Andy Burnham at his first Cabinet meeting at Downing Street on Tuesday. Photograph: WPA/Getty ImagesIt followsyesterday’s announcement ofa cut to VAT on household electricity billsfrom 1 October, which the government said will be funded by cancelling the digital ID scheme. But former cabinet ministerDarren Jonessuggested the scheme was“unfunded”and said the government“will have to set out how it will pay for its new policies at the budget”. When posed this question on the bus fare cap, transport secretaryHeidi Alexandersaid she was“100% sure”the new policy was fully funded, saying the government was“reprioritising spending”. “The prime minister has been absolutely clear that we’re going to observe the fiscal rules and thatyou won’t get any unfunded spending commitments from this government,”she told BBC Radio 4’s Today programme. She also insisted the cut to VAT on domestic electricity bills was properly financed, telling BBC Breakfast that it was “not true to say the money isn’t there to implement the changes on electricity bills”. She criticised Jones, who was sacked as the Duchy of Lancaster, for questioning how new government policies will be funded on social media, telling Sky News she was “not sure it was either the most timely or wise tweet that Darren has ever put out”. Conservative shadow chancellorMel Stridesaid the government could not answer the question:“Where is the money coming from?”Speaking to BBC Breakfast, he said there was not any money to be saved from scrapping the digital ID scheme because“it was never funded in the first place”.