A Bill to make certain offences including malicious wounding, grievous or actual bodily harm and common assault aggravated when perpetrated against a constable, firefighter, doctor, paramedic or nurse in the execution of his or her duty or against a person assisting these persons in the execution of their duty; to make provision to require those suspected of certain assaults that may pose a health risk, including spitting, to be required to undergo blood tests and to make it an offence, without reasonable excuse, to refuse to undergo such tests; to make provision about the sentences for those convicted of the offences; and for connected purposes.
House of Commons
21 June 2017
May contain errors — check source documents for definitive information.
This bill strengthens the law around assaults on emergency services staff by making certain offences more serious when they are carried out against police constables, firefighters, doctors, paramedics or nurses in the course of their duties, and protects people who assist them. It also introduces requirements for blood testing for suspects who may pose a health risk (for example, if they spit) and makes refusing such tests an offence without a reasonable excuse, with provisions about sentencing for those convicted.
The bill is at the 2nd reading in the House of Commons. If it progresses, it would move to committee stage and the remaining readings before becoming law, subject to passage in both Houses.
Generated 21 February 2026
7 Feb 2017
This Bill has been dropped by its sponsoring MP and will not progress any further.
This Bill was expected to have its second reading on Friday 24 March 2017. The Bill had its first reading on 7 February 2017 through the ten minute rule procedure.
If you require any further information about the Bill then please contact the sponsoring MP Holly Lynch.
No recorded votes for this bill yet.
