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
The bill would make certain assaults on emergency workers more serious, by treating offences as aggravated when the victim is a police officer, firefighter, doctor, paramedic or nurse, or someone helping them in the line of duty. It also requires people suspected of certain assaults that could spread disease (including spitting) to take blood tests, and makes refusing a test without a reasonable excuse an offence. It includes rules on sentences for those convicted and aims to protect those who serve the public.
The bill is currently at the second reading in the House of Commons and will proceed to committee stage for detailed examination before moving on to further readings.
Generated 21 February 2026
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.
