Question to the Home Office:

To ask Her Majesty's Government what plans they have to reduce the number of assaults on firefighters; and whether they intend to review the legal framework to offer additional protection to emergency workers.

All attacks on emergency service workers are deplorable and are taken very seriously.

Fire and rescue authorities are tackling attacks on firefighters in various ways including engaging with the local community, and having CCTV cameras on their vehicles to help identify culprits. We will be shortly publishing data on the number of firefighter attacks in England and will continue to work closely with the National Fire Chiefs Council and fire authorities to monitor any emerging trends.

The Government is supporting the Private Members Bill tabled by Chris Bryant MP on assaults on emergency workers. The Bill will provide police and courts with further powers to deal with those who use violence against emergency workers including firefighters.