Widow Wins MBE After Husband Killed in Line of Duty
Lissie Harper, whose husband PC Andrew Harper was killed just four weeks after their wedding in Berkshire in August 2019, has been honoured with an MBE for her relentless campaigning. The campaign pushed through “Harper’s Law,” mandating life sentences for anyone who kills an emergency worker on duty.
Harper’s Law: Fighting for Justice
Three men were convicted of manslaughter, not murder, in Andrew’s death. After the Old Bailey trial, Lissie begged for a retrial for murder. The Court of Appeal dismissed all appeals, leaving her devastated. “The sentences do not reflect the severity and barbarity of the crimes,” she said.
Determined, Lissie teamed up with the Police Federation and met top officials, including Lord Chancellor and then-Home Secretary Priti Patel. Their efforts paid off: Harper’s Law became part of the Police, Crime, Sentencing, and Courts Act 2022, which gained Royal Assent in April 2022.
“The justice system is broken,” Lissie told Patel during their meetings. The government praised her campaign as “a personal crusade that will help other families in the future.”
A New Chapter After Heartbreak
After the law’s passage, Lissie spoke of her readiness to “find happiness” again. “I know Andrew would want me to be happy,” she said in what she hoped would be her final press interview on the matter.
Reflecting on her MBE, Lissie said, “It’s been a hell of a journey. Harper’s Law is a huge achievement in honour of my amazing Andrew. I never expected recognition, but it means a lot. Andrew would be proud.”
She thanked her “incredibly supportive” family and friends, especially Andrew Fiddler, who helped push the law through. “For those who’ve lost a life partner, we never move on but learn to move forward—turning heartbreak into something to be proud of.”
Other Local Honours
- Jane Watson MBE: Recognised for services to sport as director of Bisham Abbey National Sports Centre, boosting the English Institute of Sport and supporting almost 1,000 athletes annually. A former 1988 Olympic cross-country skier, Watson manages elite sports provision across Olympic, Paralympic, Army, and Royal Ballet sectors.
- Kim James MBE: Honoured for reducing school closures during Covid lockdowns as Oxfordshire County Council’s head of school improvement. She also set up a vital helpline supporting county schools throughout the pandemic.
