Rhiannon James

Andy Burnham said the Government will present Parliament with findings from its review of the prisoner early release scheme when it returns in two weeks. The review follows pressure to prevent Albert Bowers and Jessie Cole, two of PC Andrew Harper’s killers, from being released next year. Burnham declined to confirm reports that prisoners convicted of unlawful act manslaughter could be exempted, calling them speculation. Former lord chief justice Lord Thomas of Cwmgiedd said distinguishing that category could be legally workable, although prison records may make implementation difficult. The Ministry of Justice said it was fast-tracking measures to keep serious offenders in prison, alongside plans for new prison places, expanded electronic tagging, stronger probation services and other reforms.

Hundreds of children’s shoes will be placed in Parliament Square by bereaved parents calling for stronger mental health and financial support after the death of a child. Campaigner Ceri Menai-Davis urges the Government to introduce a universal bereaved parent support package, arguing that many parents lose employment during their child’s illness and therefore do not qualify for statutory bereavement benefits. MPs from Labour, the Liberal Democrats and Plaid Cymru back the campaign, stressing the need for improved emotional and financial assistance for grieving families and for policy reforms that better support parents during and after a child’s terminal illness.