Individuals who assault or attack emergency workers face longer jail terms as a new law came into force last week.
A new offence will double the maximum sentence from 6 to 12 months in prison for assaulting an emergency worker. This covers police, prison officers, custody officers, fire service personnel, search and rescue services and paramedics.
The new law will also mean that judges must consider tougher sentences for a range of other offences - including GBH and sexual assault - if the victim is an emergency worker.
Through cross party work local MP Stephen Crabb has helped this Bill become law:
“No police officer, nurse or firefighter deserves to be assaulted – physically or verbally. Punishments for assaults on emergency workers have been far too lenient. Through cross party work, I’m happy that a new law has come into force today to change this.
“I was pleased to work with Labour MP Chris Bryant and others as a co-sponsor of this law. It shows the good that can come from politicians, on both sides of the House, working together to improve the lives of others. This is why we get into politics in the first place.