The Gibraltar Police Federation says it welscomes the publication of the amendment to the Crimes Bill 2025, relating to Assaults on Emergency Workers. 

A statement continued: “This shows a commitment by HMGoG to try and best protect those who dedicate themselves to protecting and caring for others. There has been an alarming increase in assaults on Police and other emergency workers in Europe and across the world in recent years, which has been acknowledged as requiring robust action to halt the trend. 

“This is something that concern many countries and is being highlighted and fought for across Europe by representatives of the European Confederation of Police (Eurocop) who are lobbying the European Parliament to Combat Violence against Police. 

“The rule of law is what allows us all to live in peace and thrive as communities, but attracting people to these lines of work is becoming increasingly difficult due to a number of reasons. 

“Not feeling protected is one of those reasons and not only does it provide obstacles to recruiting, but more worryingly it is being sighted as one of the main reasons for officers leaving the profession and taking many years of experience with them. 

“This is affecting the ability and effectiveness of Policing and is heaping more pressure on those who remain in the thin blue line. 

“We thank the Honourable Minister for Justice Mr Feetham and his team behind the scenes for their commitment and hard work, but more specifically for inviting the Police and Police Federation to the table when addressing these matters. 

“This is a much-welcomed move as historically the rank and file officers have not had the ability to have their voices heard during such discussions. A seat at the table is of paramount importance to make sure that all voices that are affected by these issues are heard clearly. 

"We will continue to monitor and record the outcomes of all assaults on Police and other emergency service workers, to see if the current legislation and sentencing is having the desired effect in reducing these community damaging acts.”