WEST Yorkshire Mayor Tracy Brabin has backed new legislation introducing mandatory life sentences for those who kill on-duty emergency workers.

If passed, as an amendment to the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Bill, Harper’s Law would mean that any individual who kills an on-duty emergency worker while committing a crime would receive a life sentence.

The Mayor praised the bravery of the widow of PC Andrew Harper, Lissie, who campaigned for the change, following the death of her husband when he was dragged by a getaway car in August 2019.

She said: “This sends out a strong message to all our emergency workers that we have their back and will support them.

“It sends out the message to those wishing to inflict harm on those who protect us, that they will be dealt with in the most serious way possible. That is only right, and just and I applaud the bravery and courage shown by Lissie Harper amidst the most tragic circumstances imaginable.

“The fact Lissie has channelled her pain into this campaign to protect emergency workers is a true legacy to her husband and is a massive boost to those workers who feel vulnerable as they try and protect their communities.”