Attacks on police officers must never be tolerated

Many people will remember the distressing images from April 2021 when disorder at an anti-lockdown protest in Hyde Park left 17 officers injured.

They had been set upon by a large crowd and were subjected to senseless violence. Missiles were thrown, they were punched and kicked and at one point an electric scooter was used as a weapon and hurled towards them.  

The response from the public and politicians to the incident was reassuring. The actions of the mob were widely condemned and the bravery of officers recognised. 

The then Home Secretary, Priti Patel MP, said: “Our brave police are the best of us and should not be the target of senseless violence by a criminal minority for just doing their job.”

I believe the public would rightly expect that anyone who targets officers with violence in this way would receive a substantial sentence.

I am deeply concerned that when those involved were ultimately sentenced yesterday – including for assaults against two officers – and handed just suspended sentences.

I know my disappointment is shared by the officers who were directly impacted on that day and by those who have worked hard to build a case against the offenders.

The Government has taken important steps to strengthen the law in relation to assaults against emergency workers, but these sentences fly in the face of that intent.

Today, I have written to the Attorney General to ask whether the Unduly Lenient Sentencing Scheme would be applicable in this case or whether other avenues to revisit the sentences could be considered.