Andy Burnham has performed a dramatic U-turn on prison releases, now taking action to keep the most serious offenders behind bars after facing fierce criticism. The Prime Minister, who previously claimed he had "pushed the very limits" to keep murderers, rapists and police killers inside, has now discovered there is more he can do, including regarding the killers of PC Harper.
Backlash over holiday and early releases
Burnham faced backlash for going on holiday just 15 days into the job and for telling the nation he had done everything possible to keep serious offenders in prison. His change of heart comes after allowing two men convicted of the manslaughter of PC Andrew Harper to be released early, which has drawn widespread anger, with sympathy for widow Lissie Harper.
Critics argue that Burnham, with a massive majority, could change the law and find prison spaces if he put his weight behind it, suggesting alternatives like electronic monitoring for those on remand.
Mixed messages on other policies
Burnham has also sent mixed signals on compensation for WASPI women affected by state pension age changes and raised hopes with his "everyday fixes" programme to ease the cost-of-living crisis. On immigration, he claims his "plan is working" but has only funded French police and ordered middle classes to house asylum seekers.
He has committed to higher defence spending, but defence secretary Wes Streeting has refused to promise a target of 3% of GDP by 2030. Speculation about tax changes ahead of the Budget, including a land tax, 50% income tax, and wealth tax, could crush investment and confidence.
Honeymoon period at risk
If Burnham's handling of the PC Harper case is a sign of things to come, he may face more U-turns and a short honeymoon period, similar to that of his predecessors Keir Starmer and Rachel Reeves.
