West Yorkshire Mayor backs new legislation introducing mandatory life sentences for those who kill on-duty emergency workers
If passed, as an amendment to the police, crime, sentencing and courts bill, Harper’s Law, would mean that any individual who kills an on-duty emergency worker while committing a crime would receive a life sentence.
24th November 2021
If passed, as an amendment to the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Bill, Harper’s Law, would mean that any individual who kills an on-duty emergency worker while committing a crime would receive a life sentence.
The Mayor praised the bravery of the widow of PC Andrew Harper, Lissie, who campaigned for the change, following the death of her husband when he was dragged by a getaway car in August 2019.
Welcoming the news, Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire, said: “This sends out a strong message to all our emergency workers that we have their back and will support them.
“It sends out the message to those wishing to inflict harm on those who protect us, that they will be dealt with in the most serious way possible. That is only right, and just and I applaud the bravery and courage shown by Lissie Harper amidst the most tragic circumstances imaginable.
“The fact Lissie has channelled her pain into this campaign to protect emergency workers is a true legacy to her husband and is a massive boost to those workers who feel vulnerable as they try and protect their communities.
“I always championed the fantastic Protector the Protectors campaign driven by Halifax MP Holly Lynch and Chris Brant MP, as I know the absolute importance in helping to safeguard police officers and other front line emergency workers.
“I think this latest development shows how much we all value our emergency services and the difficult jobs they all do.
“The introduction of Harper’s Law brings that a step further and we all need to stand together and show support for our emergency workers who face danger daily.”