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MPs debate petitions on the protection of retail workers

3 June 2021

On Monday 7 JuneMPs will debate petitions relating to the protection of retail workers.

The debate will be led by Petitions Committee member Matt Vickers MP. MPs from all parties can take part, and a Minister will respond on behalf of the Government.

Protect Retail Workers from Abuse, Threats and Violence 

The petition, which received 104,354 signatures, states: “Enact legislation to protect retail workers. This legislation must create a specific offence of abusing, threatening or assaulting a retail worker. The offence must carry a penalty that acts as a deterrent and makes clear that abuse of retail workers is unacceptable. 

In response to the petition, the Government said: “The Government is not persuaded that a specific offence is needed as a wide range of offences already exist which cover assaults against any worker, including shop workers. 

What are petitions debates? 

Petitions debates are ‘general’ debates which allow MPs from all parties to discuss the important issues raised by one, or more petitions, and put their concerns to Government Ministers.  

Further Information 

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