The Assaults on Emergency Workers Bill, co-sponsored by Stephen Crabb with cross party support, completed its final stages in the House of Commons on Friday 27th April.
The Bill will bring in tougher sentences for those who assault a police officer, firefighter or paramedic when carrying out their duties.
Speaking after the debate Stephen said;
“I am very pleased that we have got this Bill through the House of Commons successfully.”
“I am grateful to the serving police officers in the Dyfed-Powys police force area for the personal experiences they have told me while they are out serving their communities. Probably the biggest thing I have learned from conversations over the last six to nine months is the enormous psychological impact of assaults on an emergency worker.”
“The law as it currently stands is just too weak. The Bill makes it clear that assaults, whether violent, verbal or the disgusting act of spitting, are not acceptable in our society and will face tougher penalties. Our emergency workers deserve every bit of credit, respect and esteem that we can give them and supporting this Bill is a practical way of showing that.”
The Bill will now begin scrutiny by the House of Lords and is expected to become law later this year.