BY KLTV Newsdesk –
Tracy Brabin, the Mayor of West Yorkshire, is backing new legislation introducing mandatory life sentences for those who kill on-duty emergency workers – it has been announced.
If passed, as an amendment to the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Bill, known as Harper’s Law, would mean that any individual who kills an on-duty emergency worker while committing a crime would automatically 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.
‘Strong Message’
Speaking on 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 Mayor praised Lissie for the campaign as a true legacy to her husband, and noted that the legislation would be a massive boost to those workers who feel vulnerable as they try and protect their communities.
Mayor Brabin added: “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.”