ZERO TOLERANCE ON ATTACKS ON FIREFIGHTERS

That this House notes with regret the necessary and strong warning issued by the Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service (TWFRS) about prosecuting people who attack firefighters while they carry out their life saving work in the light of recent physical attacks; agrees with the TWFRS that attacks on crews not only hinder them from fulfilling their role to make our communities safe but also risk putting emergency equipment out of action which could be needed to save a life at any time, and not least around the time of bonfire night; welcomes their decision to employ CCTV on their vehicles and overt and covert methods to prevent such irresponsible and dangerous attacks; and urges the public to co-operate with the fire and rescue service and the police in encouraging zero tolerance of such behaviour against firefighters in the line of their duty to protect the community.