Read my latest news and views…
Matthew Barber calls for the Government to take emergency action over potential early release of PC Andrew Harper’s killers
“The killers of Andrew Harper should remain in prison and should not be released early.” That is the simple message from Matthew Barber.
The Thames Valley Police & Crime Commissioner has written to the Prime Minister and Lord Chancellor urging the Government to consider emergency legislation to prevent the early release of two of the men responsible for the killing of PC Andrew Harper under the Sentencing Act 2026.
The Generation Game
The "battle between the generations" is the great lie of modern British politics. It is a cynical distraction, carefully curated to ensure we are fighting each other rather than looking at the state.
To convince people of the need for change, we must abandon the divisive identity politics of the generation war. We need a new social contract: one that prioritises our families over the expansion of the state.
£100m Burnham Bonus for policing?
Could Andy Burnham’s first big win be a boost to policing?
Amongst the horse trading and power play for those lining up in the hope of gifts being bestowed by Prime Minister Burnham, we have heard rumours of a falling out over the plans to reform the police.
Government announces new asylum camp at MOD Bicester
Many will welcome the closure of asylum hotels, including the Oxford Witney Hotel and the Mercure George Hotel in Reading, but there will be significant concern about the community impact of MOD Bicester being used as an open camp for asylum seekers.
Police Reform plans risk undermining local policing and public safety
I have published a detailed response to the Government’s Police Reform White Paper, warning that the proposals risk weakening local policing; reducing resources, lessening accountability, and ultimately making communities less safe.
The Crime and Policing Act: The good, the bad and the missed opportunities.
Of course any Government will trumpet their legislation as universally successful, and there are many good measures included, but I want to present a balanced analysis that also recognises the flaws, some of which are instructive about our politics more broadly.