Page 13 - WMPF Federation Aug-Sept 2017

‘Protect The

Protectors’ Bill

wins MPs’ support

since as the law currently stands we have
officers who, along with their families, face
months of anguish as they wait to find out if
they have contracted a disease after being
assaulted or spat at.”
The bill incorporates many of the
provisions that the Police Federation and
partner organisations have been calling for
as part of its Protect The Protectors
campaign.
It will:
l Introduce new offences including
wounding or assault when perpetrated
against an emergency worker in the
performance of their duties
l Compel those suspected of assault
– including spitting - who may pose a
health risk to undergo blood tests West Midlands PC Mike Bruce, who was spat
l Make it an offence to refuse to undergo at while on duty, and talked about the effect
such tests, and
Holly Lynch. it had on him and his family at the Police
l Lay down tough sentences for those Federation conference earlier this year.
bill calling for tougher sentences for convicted of these new offences.
those who assault police officers and Mr Bryant explained: “It is so important assault emergency services, said she was
Aother emergency service workers that we protect the protectors. One of the delighted that the issue is going forward as a
won cross-party support in the House of really shocking injustices is that we have is Private Members’ Bill.
Commons just days before Parliament began so many assaults on police officers, and for She said: “The work of our emergency
its summer recess in mid-July. that matter other emergency workers, in the services has never been on the agenda quite so
The Assaults on Emergency Workers last few years, and sentences that have been much as at the moment. Everybody really sees,
(Offences) Private Members’ Bill, presented handed down have been wholly inadequate really appreciates, the work they do that’s so
by Chris Bryant, the MP for Rhonda, will now to deal with the problem.” important to keeping [the public] safe. It’s our
go forward for a second reading on 20 Holly Lynch, the Halifax MP who job as legislators to make sure that we are
October. previously introduced a 10 Minute Rule Bill keeping them safe. I’ve been so concerned
“This is welcome news,” says Tom calling for stronger deterrents for those who that’s not the case as it stands in law.”
Cuddeford, chairman of West Midlands
Police Federation, “We are all too aware that This bill, should it finally make it
assaults on police officers and other
emergency staff are becoming more and “ through to law, will ensure that the
more commonplace with the sentences
handed down to offenders sometimes not police and other emergency personnel
seeming to fit the crime.
“This bill, should it finally make it have better protection. Tougher
through to law, will ensure that the police
and other emergency personnel have better sentences should suitably punish those
protection. Tougher sentences should responsible for these attacks and act as
suitably punish those responsible for these
attacks and act as a deterrent. a deterrent.
“It also calls for compulsory health “
testing of suspects who may present a
health risk which will be a great step forward
www.westmidspolfed.com federation August/September 2017 13