Crime: Emergency Services Staff

Lord Pickles Excerpts

Thursday 1st October 2020 Lords Chamber

[Baroness Scott of Bybrook (Con)]

I am very sorry that I cannot give an assurance on when it will be published but, as with all these things, there will be consultation, and it will be on everything from minor and major assault to murder and manslaughter.

[Lord Pickles (Con) [V]]

My Lords, does my noble friend agree with the analysis of Andy Symonds, chair of Norfolk Police Federation? He said that it was essential that courts, as well as the Government, played a part in stopping violent offenders, and that there was a need for predictable, tough sentences for offenders who attack police officers. He says that this has not happened, and that it is one of the main drivers of the rising numbers of assaults that we are seeing year on year. Putting on a uniform for public service always carries a risk. We in Parliament and the courts should respond to that risk by unambiguously making clear to those who assault the uniformed services that they will face the most severe penalties.

[The Lord Speaker (Lord Fowler)]

I call the right reverend Prelate the Bishop of Gloucester. Oh, I am sorry, it is the Minister.