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Proceeding contribution from Peter Atkinson (Conservative) in the House of Commons on Friday, 12 May 2006. It occurred during Debate on bill on Emergency Workers (Obstruction) Bill.


Emergency Workers (Obstruction) Bill

I share the concerns of my hon. Friend the Member for Christchurch (Mr. Chope) about the definition of emergency worker, whether the person works for the NHS or not. As an MP who represents a constituency that borders Scotland, I am aware that there are often differences between Scottish and English legislation. The Bill stipulates that employees should be persons"““employed by a fire and rescue authority in England and Wales””," but not Scotland. That could give rise to a difficult situation on the borders, as fire services from Scotland are often called to fight fires in England and vice versa. Something similar is true for ambulance services. Patients from my constituency go to English hospitals and also to the regional hospital on the other side of the border. Scottish legislation protects emergency workers only in Scotland, but a Scottish fireman attending an English fire who was obstructed or attacked south of the border would have no protection under the Bill. They would fall between the legislation of the two countries. Will the Minister clarify that point if he can?


Secondary information

Type
Proceeding contribution
Reference
446 c674 
Session
2005-06
Chamber / Committee
House of Commons chamber
Subjects
Crimes of violence Health professions Emergency services Protection Staff Sentencing
Legislation
Emergency Workers (Obstruction) Bill 2005-06
Link
View this Proceeding contribution on www.publications.parliament.uk