THE news that the Government will introduce \u2018Harper\u2019s Law\u2019 \u2013\u00a0mandatory life sentences for those who kill an emergency services worker in the course of their duty \u2013\u00a0is \u201cincredible\u201d, South Yorkshire Police Federation has said.<\/p>\n
Thames Valley PC Andrew Harper was killed in the line of duty in 2019, and his widow Lissie has tirelessly campaigned for a change in the law.<\/p>\n
South Yorkshire Police Federation Chair Steve Kent said: \u201cThe unbelievable work that Lissie\u2019s done, and the Thames Valley Police Federation, and everybody supporting her, it\u2019s just incredible.\u201d<\/p>\n
He added that the mandatory life sentence \u201cshould have been the case anyway\u201d.<\/p>\n
Steve said: \u201cIt should have been there already, but let\u2019s face it, it wasn\u2019t. So this is just an unbelievable piece of work from everybody involved. And a benchmark moment. So well done to all.\u201d<\/p>\n
Lissie Harper said: \u201cEmergency services workers require extra protection. I know all too well how they are put at risk and into the depths of danger on a regular basis on behalf of society. That protection is what Harper\u2019s Law will provide and I am delighted that it will soon become a reality.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s been a long journey and a lot of hard work. I know Andrew would be proud to see Harper\u2019s Law reach this important milestone.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019d like to thank the teams at the Ministry of Justice and the Home Office and Dominic Raab, Priti Patel and Robert Buckland for working with me to achieve this.<\/p>\n
\u201cI would also like to thank my incredible Harper\u2019s Law team as well as the public for their unstinting support for such an important campaign. Those who believed that the right thing is worth doing despite the hurdles and challenges that we needed to be overcome.<\/p>\n
\u201cAnd for the families of those that this Law will provide justice for, we\u2019re almost there. Your continued support has kept me pushing forward.\u201d<\/p>\n