Prison officer pension age

That this House recognises the dangerous working conditions in the Prison Service; expresses concern at the increasing number of violent assaults on prison staff; believes that prison officers approaching the age of 70 should not be expected to deal with violent and dangerous criminals aged in their twenties, thirties and forties; considers the demands placed on prison officers, as uniformed emergency workers, to be similar to police officers and firefighters, who can retire at 60 in recognition of the unique nature of their roles; and calls on the Government to show its thanks and appreciation for our prison staff through practical action to improve prison safety, enhance terms and conditions and align prison officers' pension age with other uniformed emergency services.