HC Deb 07 January 2003 vol 397 c140W
John McDonnell

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will introduce legislation to create a separate offence of assault on members of the emergency services. [88488]

Hilary Benn

All assaults against emergency services personnel are totally unacceptable, and the severity of the sentence should reflect the relative seriousness of the crime. Courts already have discretion to impose the appropriate sentence taking into account all the aggravating or mitigating circumstances, within maximum penalties that range from six months for common assault to life imprisonment for causing grievous bodily harm with intent.