Yet again, the Government claim something is getting better whilst those in the know say otherwise. This time, it is attacks on firemen, (or firefighters, as we call them in these sensitive times. Tell that to my personager though).

Attacking fire crew when they are attending an incident appears to now be a recreational activity for some of the lowlife scum that pass for human beings in this third world country of ours. It isn’t confined to the Brigade either, Joan the Paramedic told me that it happens to Ambulances as well.

“Someone should pass a law…” I hear the moral majority cry. Well they did, a private members bill eventually became the Emergency Workers (Obstruction) Act 2006. passing into law on February 20th 2007 by Statutory Instrument SI 2007/153 (click on the footnote 1 to see the actual act).

So, we’ve passed a law, and it has got worse. Why is that?

Well, pardon my ignorance, but wasn’t assaulting people already a criminal offence? Surely the only thing this act achieves is to raise the bar on what sanctions the Judiciary can apply.

A person guilty of an offence under this Act is liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding level 5 on the standard scale.

What is a level 5 fine?up to £5000 The sort of people doing this probably don’t have £5,000 so it is hardly an incentive to stop. What it really needs is to be policed vigorously, like it should have been in the first place. (I imagine the legendary Ray Mallon had it well under control in his time in Cleveland Police Force).

Of course, the Police are somewhat under-resourced, on account of the intensive Biro work required in 21st Century Policing. So, instead, I’d suggest to Fire Brigades that have this sort of trouble that they use their hoses as water cannon, and add an indelible dye so that the tossers carry the mark of cain with them for several weeks afterwards and the scuffers can round them up at leisure.

Before the hand wringing Liberals complain about infringing the human rights of these poor deprived children who aren’t to blame because society is, I say spherical and plural to that. With rights go responsibilities and they need to take the consequences of their actions.