Nusrat Ghani, MP for Wealden, has welcomed the Government’s announcement that ‘Harper’s Law’, which gives emergency workers greater protection from violent criminals, would be added to the statute book.
After the shocking and tragic murder of PC Harper in the line of duty in 2019, his family have been unwavering in their campaign to increase the protections for emergency workers against violent criminals. Harper’s Law will introduce mandatory life sentences for anyone convicted of killing an emergency worker whilst committing a crime.
The Government is extending mandatory life sentences to anyone who commits the manslaughter of an emergency worker on duty, including police, prison officers, firefighters and paramedics, while carrying out another crime, unless there are truly exceptional circumstances.
Nusrat Ghani said: “Throughout my time in Parliament, I have campaigned with colleagues for violent criminals who kill or harm emergency workers to face proper and significant punishment. Emergency services workers require extra protection and I’m pleased that the Government is determined to make sure that punishments fit the severity of the crime, protecting our emergency workers and making sure those who seek to harm them feel the full force of the law.”
