- 01/03/2018
- Posted by: Lesley Griffiths MS
- Category: News
A new law that will offer more protection for our police, firefighters and NHS workers has been backed by Wrexham’s Assembly Member, Lesley Griffiths.
The Welsh Labour Government this week outlined its support for a proposed new law aimed at cracking down on attacks on emergency workers should apply in Wales.
Welsh Labour Rhondda MP, Chris Bryant, has put forward legislation to Parliament that would make it an aggravated offence to attack an emergency worker. The vote in the Senedd on Tuesday 27th February went through unopposed and ensured the new law for 999 staff would also apply in Wales.
Latest statistics reveal that 377 NHS workers in North Wales experienced verbal and/or physical attacks in 2016/17. Last year, there were 285 recorded assaults on police officers in North Wales.
Lesley Griffiths AM said: “Any assault on the hard-working men and women whose aim is to keep the public safe and well is unacceptable.”
“This law aims to help deter people from assaulting the workers who protect the public on a daily basis, and to ensure those that do face tough sanctions. I hope Parliament will give them the support and protection they need.”
The new law has support from the Royal College of Nursing, Unison, The Fire Brigades Union, the Police Federation, The British Transport Police and the GMB union.
