Thank you for contacting me about protecting emergency service workers. I ensured I was present in Parliament last Friday to support this piece of legislation - as indeed I was at "second reading" back on 20th October.
I am delighted that it received support and has now passed all its Commons stages. I made a couple of interventions at "Report" stage and then spoke in its favour at third reading. Third Reading speeches on private members bills have to be short and I have attached a clip here https://goo.gl/kGmbxq
A transcript of the full debate can be found here https://hansard.parliament.uk/Commons/2018-04-27/debates/0588597B-4425-4255-AAFA-7AE64BECF988/AssaultsOnEmergencyWorkers(Offences)Bill
We owe emergency service workers a debt of gratitude for the courage, commitment and dedication they demonstrate in carrying out their duties, which is why I was pleased to support the Private Member's Bill and pleased that the Government also choose to support its passage. The Bill was also strongly supported by the Sussex Police and Crime Commissioner, Katy Bourne and the Sussex Police Federation.
I welcome the fact that we added an amendment adding sexual assault to the list of offences to which the Bill's statutory aggravating factor will apply.
The Bill will cover emergency workers, which includes police, prison officers, custody officers, fire service personnel, search and rescue services and certain healthcare workers including ambulance personnel.
Thank you again for taking the time to contact me.
