GREATER Manchester's MPs are backing our campaign for tougher laws to protect 999 workers from yobs who ambush them while on duty.

Twenty-two out of the region's 27 MPs have pledged support for the Manchester Evening News' call for new legislation.

We launched our campaign on November 17 and seven days later sent a letter to every MP in the region asking if they would back it. They were given until December 16th to reply.

One of the MPs yet to respond is Phil Woolas, who represents Oldham East and Saddleworth. He is the Minister for Local Government, with responsibility for the Fire Service.

We are supporting a Private Member's Bill introduced by Swansea Labour MP Alan Williams. Under the proposed law anyone who assaults, obstructs, or hinders an emergency worker in the course of their duty could face nine months in prison and/or a £5,000 fine. This legislation is already in force in Scotland.

At present only police have special protection, but we want a new law which will make it a specific offence to attack a firefighter. It would also apply to nurses, ambulance officers, prison officers, midwives, social workers, doctors, and coastguards.

Highest

Since April last year there have been 337 attacks on firefighters in Greater Manchester - the highest in the country.

The first MP to reply was Dr Brian Iddon (Bolton South East), who says: "I did try to raise this issue with the Prime Minister on November 8 after numerous incidents in Bolton, but I was unable to catch the Speaker's eye. I do support this campaign."

James Purnell (Hyde) a junior minister in the department of Culture, Media, and Sport, said although as a minister he was unable to express support for a private member's bill, he passed on his best wishes for the campaign.

Tony Lloyd (Manchester Central) says: "Attacks on anyone going about their daily business are intolerable, especially when they are members of the emergency services who are trying to protect the public."

In an identical statement three ministers, Beverley Hughes (Stretford and Urmston), Paul Goggins (Wythenshawe and Sale East); and Hazel Blears (Salford), say they "abhor attacks" on emergency workers. They say such behaviour will be targeted in the government's Respect Action Plan, which will be published in the New Year.

Paul Rowen (Rochdale) says: "I will very happily sign up to this campaign and will do anything I can to help. My brother-in-law is a former firefighter in Oldham, so I understand first hand the dangers they face."

County Fire Officer Barry Dixon briefed education minister and Bolton West MP Ruth Kelly about attacks on crews. She says: "I was appalled. I have written to Phil Woolas informing him about the hostile incidents that firefighters have been facing."

AS well as Mr Woolas, four other MPs have not yet responded to our letter. They are Andrew Burnham (Leigh); Gerald Kaufman (Gorton); Ann Coffey (Stockport); and Graham Stringer (Blackley).

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