Earlier this week, the prime minister

[Maybo]

Earlier this week, the prime minister announced a new national violent disorder programme to help clamp down on violent groups by allowing police forces to share intelligence.

Source: Dozens arrested after protest disorder spreads by Alex Binley, BBC News

I don't understand the difference between "Earlier this week" and "Early this week".

 

[5jj]

Early this week probably refers to Monday or Tuesday.

Earlier this week can refer to any day before yesterday.

 

[Maybo]

Earlier this week can refer to any day before yesterday.

Does it include last week? For example, today is 7 August, does it include 31 July and 1-4 August?

 

[Tarheel]

No, it doesn't include last week. However, part of it could be in a different month if you're still talking about the same week. (I'm not sure if that's what you're getting at )