Emergency Workers (Protection) Bill

With the leave of the House, Mr. Deputy Speaker, I shall make a few brief comments. First, I thank everyone who took part in this morning’s debate for the very positive way in which it was conducted. I hope and believe that a clear message will go out from the speeches that, regardless of party, in all parts of the House there is enormous respect and regard for our emergency services, and a determination that they shall get the protection they need. Secondly, it has been worth being here to be a witness to the most unexpected marriage of minds between the right hon. Member for Bromley and Chislehurst (Mr. Forth) and the Minister. I advise her not to be dazzled by his charismatic style; he can be a fickle fellow, and I must tell her that I am not optimistic for the survival of the relationship. I thank the Minister for trying to meet my concerns. I will read in detail what she has said and we shall liaise between now and Committee to work out appropriate amendments to achieve what the House obviously wants. I thank the sponsors of the Bill, particularly the hon. Member for Teignbridge (Richard Younger-Ross), who provided me with the original idea arising from the Scottish Bill, and my hon. Friends the Members for Islington, South and Finsbury (Emily Thornberry) and for Hendon (Mr. Dismore), who made up for my legal inadequacies by joining me at consultations with Ministers and explaining to me what they were talking about. It is not often that we in the House praise the press, but the Manchester EveningNews has been ahead of all the press in this country in campaigning for months, absolutely consistently, in support of the emergency workers. I want the newspaper to know that that is recognised in the House. Other hon. Members have said the same. Finally, there is one person to whom I want to pay particular tribute—Barry Dixon of the Manchester fire service, who, on behalf of all the emergency services, led not only in briefing me but in supporting me as I worked on the Bill. Question put and agreed to. Bill accordingly read a Second time, and committed to a Standing Committee, pursuant to Standing Order No. 63 (Committal of Bills).