During my time as a Home Office minister, I was greatly concerned about the number of assaults experienced by police officers and other emergency workers. It is unacceptable that those who are on the front-line protecting us are subject to such intolerable behaviour. As a result, in 2018 we changed the law so that anyone who assaults a police officer, firefighter, prison officer or a paramedic faced a maximum of 12 months in prison.
Today, we are delivering on our manifesto commitment by consulting on doubling sentences for those who assault our emergency workers – ensuring they feel the full force of the law. We are proposing that those guilty of this type of assault can receive a two-year sentence. This recognises the debt of gratitude the public feels towards our emergency workers – for the courage, commitment and dedication they show every day in carrying out their duties.
This consultation sends a clear and simple message to the vile thugs who assault our emergency workers – you will not get away with such appalling behaviour and you will be subject to the force of the law.