Harry Farley

Labour MP Bayo Alaba has referred himself to the party and been suspended from Labour and the parliamentary whip while an investigation examines allegations that he sought to avoid repaying one of two government-backed Covid bounce back loans. The allegations concern attempted winding-up proceedings involving his company, Alaba Properties, in 2022. Alaba denies trying to evade his obligations and says the loans will be repaid in full by the end of 2026. Labour said the investigation does not imply wrongdoing at this stage, while Conservative spokesperson Mike Wood said Alaba and ministers have questions to answer.

Prime Minister Andy Burnham has asked Justice Secretary Alex Norris to develop a plan to prevent Jessie Cole and Albert Bowers, sentenced to 13 years for the manslaughter of PC Andrew Harper, from qualifying for early release next January. The government is expanding early release to ease prison overcrowding, but ministers have not explained how the two men could be excluded without affecting other manslaughter prisoners. Harper's mother Debbie Adlam, widow Lissie Harper and police representatives have condemned the prospect of release, while the government says prison capacity could run out as soon as October. About 5,000 prisoners are expected to benefit from the sentencing changes.

Prime Minister Andy Burnham has instructed Justice Secretary Alex Norris to develop a way to prevent Jessie Cole and Albert Bowers, sentenced to 13 years for the manslaughter of police officer Andrew Harper, from qualifying for early release. Under changes to the Sentencing Act, the pair could otherwise be released next January after serving half their sentences. The government says the prison overcrowding scheme is necessary and expects around 5,000 prisoners to be released, but has not explained how it could exempt these two offenders without affecting others convicted of manslaughter. Harper's family, police representatives and a petition signed by about 900,000 people oppose the release, while ministers face warnings that prison capacity could be exhausted by October. Former victims' commissioner Vera Baird has called for broader consideration of other prisoners, including those serving Imprisonment for Public Protection sentences.

Prime Minister Andy Burnham says England and Wales should first secure reliable funding for palliative and social care before further considering assisted dying. His comments indicate a shift from his earlier conditional support and suggest he may oppose Labour MP Lauren Edwards’s planned bill, although the government is expected to remain officially neutral. Edwards argues that care reform and assisted dying can proceed together, while opponent Jess Asato warns that the proposed law would be unsafe in a failing care system. The previous bill, introduced by Kim Leadbeater and approved by MPs in 2025, failed to pass the House of Lords before time ran out in April.