Protections for Emergency Service Workers

Emergency service workers face daily pressures and abuse, with 2,185 assaults on West Yorkshire police recorded in Leeds and the wider region last year, up 15% from the previous year. The MP supports increasing the maximum penalty for assaulting an emergency worker to two years' imprisonment. Intervened to criticise the shadow Minister for political scoring during the debate, calling for unity across the House on such a critical issue.

Mr Carter congratulated the Member for Stockton South on securing the debate and acknowledged the difficult work done by police and emergency workers. He cited data showing an increase in assaults on police officers, particularly during the pandemic, and urged the Government to review sentencing laws to ensure they reflect the seriousness of such crimes.

Paid tribute to emergency services during the pandemic and advocated for legal reforms to ensure severe penalties for those who harm frontline workers, referencing the murder of police officers Nicola Hughes and Fiona Bone. Suggested a review or reform of laws on homicide to better protect emergency workers.

Paid tribute to emergency service workers in his constituency and highlighted the protections provided by the Emergency Workers (Scotland) Act 2005, which covers GPs, doctors, nurses, and midwives. He mentioned that penalties for abusing emergency service workers can include up to 12 months imprisonment or a £10,000 fine. The average custodial sentence increased from 151 days in 2009-10 to 169 days in 2018-19. Emphasised the support services available for NHS staff and Police Scotland's commitment to reducing violence against officers.

Acknowledged the bravery of emergency service workers in Hull and shared statistics on assaults: 999 officers assaulted over two years, 17 attacks against firefighters, and a prison officer assaulted every hour. Criticised cuts to services and staff numbers, called for increased investment not just in police officers but also in police staff, and emphasised the importance of mental health support.

Expressed gratitude towards frontline emergency service workers and highlighted the physical and mental toll on these workers due to increased violence and trauma. Called for tougher sentences, including doubling maximum sentences from 12 months to two years, and noted the Home Office's investment of £6.7 million in taser purchases.

The DUP Member highlights a 20% increase in emergency calls and responses by Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service, including hostile encounters with the public. He urges for a zero-tolerance policy backed by strong legal action against those who attack emergency service personnel.

Mr Mullan paid tribute to emergency service workers, especially his father who was a police officer for over 30 years. He highlighted the risk faced by these workers, noting that 1,600 police officers have died while serving in uniform. Mr Mullan also supported increasing the maximum penalty for assaulting emergency service workers and called for justice for victims like PC Andrew Harper.

Discussed the targeting of police officers in Northern Ireland, highlighting that courts are not always lenient on officers who take action to protect themselves and others. Emphasised the importance of body-worn cameras for evidence and called for stricter penalties against those who abuse emergency service workers.

Mr Gibson highlighted the rise in violence against emergency services personnel, mentioning that County Durham police has suffered 298 assaults since May. He emphasised the need for legal protections and cited a recommendation from the chief executive of the North East Ambulance Service for community sentences to be served within the service where the offence was committed.

She expressed concern over the rising number of assaults on police officers, which have increased by almost 50% in five years and more than 21% during lockdown. She highlighted financial costs associated with these attacks, such as £5 million from sick leave due to assaults in 2018-19. Jones also mentioned cuts to mental health services, leading police officers to frequently handle situations involving individuals suffering from a mental breakdown.

Reminded Members that the case of PC Andrew Harper is sub judice and advised against making references to the merits or sentences in that case.

Mr Hunt thanked emergency services in Ipswich, especially Suffolk police, for their work during the pandemic. He praised the sensitivity of Suffolk constabulary and the Kestrel team in enforcing social distancing rules without overstepping boundaries. Mr Hunt also supported tougher sentencing for crimes against emergency service workers. He raised the issue of spitting at emergency service workers during the pandemic and asked for assurance that there are robust punishments in place for those who use covid as a weapon against police officers.