Question to the Ministry of Justice:

To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, what steps his Department is taking to ensure justice sector staff are protected from abuse and assaults at work.

The Assaults on Emergency Workers (Offences) Act 2018 doubled the maximum penalty for those who assault emergency workers, including prison officers and custody officers, from 6 to 12 months’ imprisonment for common assault or battery, with higher maximum penalties for serious offences.

Through the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Bill, we are again doubling the maximum penalty for the assault of an emergency worker, from 12 months’ to two years’ imprisonment.

The bill will also create a new statutory aggravating factor for offences committed against those staff providing a public service, performing a public duty or providing a service to the public.