Richard Holden MP supports the newly passed Harper’s Law, which ensures a mandatory Life Sentence is given to those who kill an emergency worker when on duty. Today, on the 24 November, he met Lissie Harper, PC Andrew Harper's wife.
In Parliament today, Richard met Lissie Harper. Her husband, PC Andrew Harper, was killed in horrific circumstances in August 2019 when he was dragged behind a car, along country lanes, after responding to reports of a stolen quad bike. He paid tribute to her remarkable campaign. He would also like to thank his friend Crewe MP, Dr Kieran Mullan MP for championing Lissie's cause.
This morning the Government announced it will implement Harper's Law. Harper’s Law will change the law so that anyone found guilty of killing an on duty emergency worker will be jailed for life. It will apply to any killer of an on-duty police officer, fireman, paramedic or prison officer – and also to a criminal who kills medics providing NHS care.
Once passed it is hoped this gives Lissie, as well as other families of emergency service workers peace of mind that the law will protect their loved ones. This government is on the side of victims and their families, and our emergency services should know we will always have their back. The change will become law by an amendment to the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Bill currently going through Parliament.