‘No political will’ to ensure life sentences for police killers

THERE is no political will for whole-life sentences to be imposed on police killers, illustrating the “contempt” that the Government has for policing.

That’s the view of Essex Police Federation Mark Smith, who said the Government should instead be supporting officers and ensuring harsher sentences are handed out to those convicted of assaulting or killing officers.

He said: “We are the people that keep the peace for all the country, and I think it’s not happening because there’s obviously no political will.

“The Home Secretary, as was, and now the Prime Minister, stood in conference and said that she would push through and make sure that life meant life and there would be harsher sentencing for those that kill police officers.

“I think this just shows the contempt that the Government have for policing – they’re making promises and they’re not actually keeping those promises.

“I’d like to see the Government and the new Home Secretary actually support police officers and push this through, because people nowadays are far too willing to fight and assault police officers – the very people who are out there trying to protect the public and to keep us safe.

“I think that harsher sentences are required and that can only be pushed forward by the Home Office.”