Emergency Workers (Protection) Bill

Yes, we are having discussions with a lot of people about the respect agenda. I have mentioned schools and parents. We must ensure that we help to support families who are in difficulty. The respect action plan establishes projects to work intensively with the most problematic families. The hon. Member for Upminster highlighted the role that parents have to play. Respect must be promoted right across Government. We must look at how every programme and funding or inspection regime contributes to dealing with the problem. Neighbourhoods must get the power to ensure that local services deal quickly and effectively with disrespectful behaviour by a minority—for example, by cleaning up graffiti. We must have speedy, visible reparative justice through measures that extend the powers available to deal with crime and antisocial behaviour by getting young people involved in sorting out the problems that they create. The respect agenda is not only about the public services but about the public realm. My hon. Friend the Member for Worsley referred to the Manchester Evening News campaign. The media are an important part of the public realm. I applaud the ““protect our heroes”” campaign, which is promoting the respect agenda by highlighting destructive behaviour toward Manchester’s firefighters. Through that campaign, the Manchester Evening News has done a substantial amount to help make the city’s firefighters safer. We should recognise that fire and rescue services have already introduced measures to tackle attacks on firefighters. We have spoken to them about this issue and they have been encouraged to report incidents, so that the police and prosecuting authorities can make prosecutions where appropriate. Her Majesty’s Fire Service Inspectorate requires fire and rescue services to complete a monthly return on the number of assaults, so that the figures can accurately reflect the problem on the ground. Members have indeed pointed out that we need better statistics to drive effective action. Fire and rescue services are also introducing measures such video cameras in cabs of appliances in order to help identify offenders.