I’ll not stand by and let criminals get away with it
THESE figures are truly shocking. Our outstanding police officers are among the bravest and the best of us.
So I am appalled to see a 24 per cent increase in assaults on the courageous men and women of the Metropolitan Police.
It is particularly revolting to see an increase in spitting and coughing at officers as thugs seek to weaponise coronavirus.
The lack of respect shown to our police and emergency workers is simply not acceptable. As Home Secretary, I won’t stand by and watch this happen. I have been unequivocal in my support for our police throughout my time in office. I’ve worked closely with the Metropolitan Police and seen first-hand the incredible work they do to protect us all.
I have nothing but praise for our policemen and women. I will not stand by and let them be spat at, punched, and abused by a minority of thugs.
This Government will do everything in our power to protect them. This week we launched a targeted consultation seeking to double the maximum sentence for assaults on emergency workers to two years.
Stronger sentences will act as a deterrent and make these thugs think twice before lashing out at our emergency workers. The punishment must fit the crime. I know this. The public knows this. Now it’s time for these criminals to know this, too.
We’ll continue backing the police with 20,000 additional officers, and have recruited over 3,000 already. And we plan to legislate for a Police Covenant that will ensure officers have the support and protection they need.
I’m grateful to our officers and the wider policing family.
My message to them is clear: I stand with you against the criminals, and I will not stand for the abuse you are facing.