People who attack police, paramedics, fire fighters, nurses and other blue light workers will face tougher sentences thanks to a new law which takes effect from today (Nov 13).
Holly Lynch, the MP for Halifax, originally drafted the Protect the Protectors Bill. The Bill was later picked up by Chris Bryant MP and it received universal support to be passed into law.
It creates a new aggravated offence of an assault against a member of the emergency services and effectively doubles the maximum sentence for these acts from six to 12 months.
The Assaults on Emergency Workers (Offences) Act now comes into law, having received Royal Assent in September 2018.
This covers police, prison officers, custody officers, fire service personnel, search and rescue services and paramedics.