October 17th, 2006
FIRST
MINISTER IN THE DARK OVER NEW ASSAULT LAW
WELSH Conservative AM William Graham today called on the Assembly Government to tackle the growing number of attacks on emergency service workers.
Hundreds of attacks occur each year in Wales, with the statistics swelled by offences committed by weekend binge-drinkers in busy city centres.
Speaking in the National Assembly today, South Wales East AM William Graham said:
“Last week I asked Rhodri Morgan to demonstrate how the Assembly Government’s policies are protecting our emergency services workers.
“He could not answer the question directly and instead produced figures on substance abuse in Wales. Today again, he has dodged the issue. (VIEW RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS HERE - Q.8)
“The Assembly Government’s lack of resolve to deal with this problem is very worrying.
“A private members bill introduced by Labour MP Alun Williams creates a new offence of obstructing or hindering police officers, fire-fighters and paramedics.
“It enjoys government support and is likely to become UK law at the end of October.
“The First Minister appeared to know little about the impact of the private members bill which will soon be law.
“At precisely the time we ought to be considering whether we should be following the example set in Scotland of giving the courts the option of jailing those who assault emergency services personnel, the First Minister drags his feet.
“I would appeal to the assembly government to be more pro-active about this issue.
“We should consider the possibility of screening television campaigns, much like those against speeding and drink-driving, warning of the danger and foolhardiness of attacking or hindering our hardworking public services staff.”
William Graham JP, AM
SPOKESMAN FOR EDUCATION
CONSERVATIVE MEMBER FOR SOUTH WALES EAST
Direct Line – 02920 898348
Email – william.graham@wales.gov.uk
Read our Assembly election campaign blog, Sky Blue Thinking at http://welshconservatives2007.blogspot.com
