Andy Burnham is enjoying a holiday for the rest of the week despite only taking office two weeks ago.The New Prime Minister pushed ahead with his plans for a summer holiday with his family a fortnight after winning the keys to Downing Street.He is said to be taking a break from his day-to-day duties, but No10 insists he will remain in contact with key officials while away.It has not been revealed where Mr Burnham is travelling for his getaway.The Prime Minister’s official spokesman said: “The Government continues to operate as normal with the Prime Minister remaining in contact with officials, holding meetings and receiving regular updates on government business.”Louise Haigh, the First Secretary of State, will be the most senior Government minister officially working this week.Lee Anderson, the chairman of Reform UK, has accused Mr Burnham of running from office. He said: “Two weeks into the job and Andy Burnham has already had enough. After dropping a number of unfunded commitments and overseeing over 2,000 illegal migrants breaking into our country he’s bunked off for a jolly abroad. “This isn’t a Prime Minister that’s serious about leading.”The absence comes just days after an unprecedented migrant crisis hit Spain’s North African enclave of Ceuta, where roughly 60,000 migrants crossed the border from Morocco.FOLLOW BELOW FOR LIVE UPDATES THROUGHOUT THE DAY…
Kemi Badenoch slams Andy Burnham for ‘only partial climbdown’ in prisoner release scheme
Kemi Badenoch has taken to social media to criticise Andy Burnham’s announcement on releasing prisoners early | PAKemi Badenoch has taken to social media to criticise Andy Burnham’s announcement on releasing prisoners early.Writing on X, the Tory leader said: “Andy Burnham wants a round of applause for agreeing not to release rapists and child sex offenders. He’s not getting one. “This is only a partial climbdown. Killers, violent offenders, men who have terrorised their partners and more will all still walk out of prison in October thanks to Labour’s early release scheme. “Yet again victims are learning their fate from press releases. “Conservatives have a better plan. Build, rent, remove. Build more prisons. Rent prison spaces abroad. Remove foreign criminals. “The victims of these horrific crimes have suffered weeks of uncertainty and fear. They deserve so much better.”
Thames Valley Police Chief Constable ‘beyond disappointed’ with Andy Burnham’s decision to release Pc Andrew Harper’s killers
Thames Valley Police Chief Constable Jason Hogg has said he is “beyond disappointed” that Pc Andrew Harper’s killers would be eligible for early release.He said: “I am beyond disappointed the Government is continuing to allow Pc Andrew Harper’s killers to be released early from prison despite the overwhelming recent public outcry.“It is simple: if Andrew’s killers were convicted today, they would receive life sentences due to the law that was created in his name. They would not be eligible for early release.“This decision is demoralising for all police officers and our fellow emergency service workers, not just in the Thames Valley, that put themselves in harm’s way to protect and serve their community.“We stand with Andrew’s family, the Police Federation, our police and crime commissioner in our dismay and we will continue to lobby the Government to make the right decision.”
PC Harper’s widow accuses Andy Burnham of ‘betrayal’ as PM set to let her husband’s killers go free
PC Andrew Harper’s widow has accused Andy Burnham of a “betrayal” after he failed to exclude her husband’s killers from his early release reforms.In a statement late last night, she said: “This is disgusting. I am beyond appalled and bristling with anger to hear that Andrew’s killers are soon to be free to roam the streets.”What abhorrent message does this send? How dare ministers say the killing of a police officer is not enough of a ‘sickening crime’ that deserves the stiffest of punishments.”The level of disrespect the Government are showing to Andrew and other victims – and to their loved ones such as me – is beyond contempt.”The killers of Andrew have shown no remorse… they robbed us of our future. They are vile criminals, and they should remain in jail.”To release them early from their already pitiful sentences is an affront to justice.”The Government and the justice system have not just let me down… they have added insult to injury. They are meant to be on our side.”This is an utter betrayal – and it’s one I will not be able to forgive or forget.”READ THE FULL STORY HERE
Grooming gang rapists to be barred from early release scheme as PM vows: ‘Public safety is my top priority!’
Andy Burnham adopted new rules as part of changes to the Sentencing Act | GETTYAndy Burnham has blocked grooming gang rapists from upcoming changes to prison sentences as part of a push to protect the public from dangerous criminals.Mr Burnham, who GB News understands was stopped from going further amid fears of the prison system collapsing, also announced rapists will face tougher community supervision and a new GPS monitoring system.The changes mean rape and child sexual offences will be added to the exclusions that were already in place for 18,000 offenders, including those who have been found by a court to be the most dangerous or anyone serving a life sentence.However, the Prime Minister has come under fire after it was revealed two men involved in the 2018 killing of police officer Andrew Harper are still likely to be up for early release.The Prime Minister said: “Keeping the public safe is my top priority. That’s why I asked for an urgent review of the prisoner release scheme.”I fully understand the anger, anxiety and distress that’s been caused. I’ve heard that loud and clear.”READ THE FULL STORY HERE