Minister confirms two of PC Harper’s killers qualify for early release this yearThe Independent’s politics reporter Athena Stavrou reports:A government minister has confirmed that as it stands, two of PC Harper’s killers will qualify for early release from prison in September.Andy Burnham said he will review the early release scheme policy, after the widow of police officer Andrew Harper said on Wednesday that it is “deplorable” that two of his killers are being considered for early release under the government scheme.On Thursday, chief secretary to the treasury Emma Reynolds said while she could guarantee the driver of the car in the case is not eligible for early release, she could not comment on the specifics of the other two involved.Pushed on whether the two men qualify for early release in September, she told LBC: “As currently constituted, that's my understanding.”Rebecca Whittaker23 July 2026 08:23Rebecca Whittaker23 July 2026 08:21Minister refuses to be drawn on wealth taxThe Independent’s politics reporter Athena Stavrou reports: A government minister has refused to be drawn into whether Andy Burnham’s government will consider a wealth tax, after more than 100 UK-based millionaires called on one to be introduced.On Thursday, a group of millionaires, including Gary Lineker, signed a letter urging Mr Burnham to tax their wealth.Mr Burnham has previously signalled his intention to overhaul the tax system in order to fund his policy ambitions as prime minister.On Thursday, chief secretary to the treasury Emma Reynolds said she would welcome Mr Lineker and other UK-based millionaires increasing the amount they pay into public coffers, but would not be drawn into whether the government will consider what they are asking for.“Well, look, it’s day four of this new government, and obviously any major tax changes would be announced at a budget,” he said. “I welcome the fact that people of good means are saying that they want to pay more. They can pay more.“There is a link on gov.uk, but look, we have to look at tax policy in the round, and we only make major tax announcements at budgets.”Rebecca Whittaker23 July 2026 08:20