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Stunell Calls for End of Assaults on Emergency Workers

March 6, 2006 5:29 PM

Fire EngineOn Friday, local MP, Andrew Stunell spoke out in Parliament to demand new powers to prosecute those who assault emergency workers such as ambulance crews, doctors, nurses and fire officers.

Mr Stunell is supporting a Private Member's Bill calling on the Government to make it an offence for anyone to impede or assault emergency workers in the line of their duty. A change in the law would mean that attackers could face fines of up to £5,000.

Hazel Grove MP, Andrew Stunell said:

"Members of our emergency services are victims of mindless vandalism and violence on a regular basis. I have heard terrible accounts of ambulances being stoned, and water hoses being cut. Greater Manchester Fire Service has suffered hundreds of attacks in the last year.

"It is a scandal that only 2% of reported incidents lead to prosecution, with the Crown Prosecution Service refusing to take incidents to court. Making it a summary offence would make it easier for prosecutions to be brought forward.

"If this Bill becomes law, it will encourage emergency workers to report attacks, help to ensure that the vandals and attackers are prosecuted, and that those tempted to copy-cat are deterred.

"I hope that this Bill will make life safer for people who work in these essential jobs."

The Bill passed the all-important Second Reading debate, and will now be discussed in detail by a small committee of MPs. ENDS

Notes to Editors:

1. The debate can be read at: http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm200506/cmhansrd/cm060303/debtext/60303-12.htm#60303-12_spnew4

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