The government is introducing mandatory life sentences for those who kill an emergency worker in the course of their duty, known as Harper’s Law.

As part of the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts (PCSC) Act, one of four major bills that have became law, those who assault police or other emergency workers, such as frontline health workers, prison officers or fire service personnel, will see the maximum penalty doubled from 12 months to two years.

Harpers Law is being brought onto the statute book, introducing mandatory life sentences for anyone convicted of killing an emergency worker whilst committing a crime.

The Act will also place a legal duty on local authorities, the police, criminal justice agencies, health and fire and rescue services to work together to reduce serious violence.