Portsmouth North MP Amanda Martin has received a government pledge to legislate for a stronger policing covenant, including improved mental-health support, after leading a debate on attacks against emergency workers.
The Portsmouth North MP focused on violence, intimidation and online abuse directed at police, ambulance crews, firefighters and rescue volunteers. She highlighted the treatment of emergency services and RNLI personnel following disorder in Portsmouth.
Policing minister Sarah Jones said the government wanted to strengthen the existing covenant so police officers facing traumatic circumstances could secure mental-health support. She also confirmed that protections in the Crime and Policing Act 2026 apply in all settings.
Jones said ministers were considering whether criminal law adequately addresses the malicious publication of personal information. She told MPs that online targeting should be treated as part of the risks faced by emergency workers, rather than as a separate issue.
The minister also said the government was considering Lord Macdonald's review of protest and hate-crime law and would respond in due course. She stressed that peaceful protest did not provide a licence for threats, violence or obstruction of lifesaving work.
Figures cited in the debate showed 22,536 incidents of violence, aggression and abuse against ambulance workers in 2024-25, a 15 per cent annual increase. Martin said emergency personnel should be able to carry out public service without fearing for themselves or their families.
