Oliver yesterday led a debate in Parliament calling for the Government to create a specific criminal offence for assaulting an NHS staff member.

The debate followed a public petition started by LBC radio as part of their ‘Guard Our Emergency Services’ campaign and had received over 100,000 signatures.

Speaking after the debate, Oliver said: ‘I think this was a very constructive debate and sent a clear message from Members across the House of Commons that any assault on NHS staff is completely unacceptable. I know from meetings I’ve had with local doctors and hospitals that this is a problem here in Hertsmere so I was glad to have had the opportunity to lead a parliamentary debate on what we do to tackle it.

‘I was pleased to hear from the Justice Minister that he will now be working with the Director of Public Prosecutions to make sure that when cases of assault against NHS staff come before the courts, they are clearly highlighted for stiffer sentencing.

‘While I recognised the Justice Minister’s argument that the Government has already put in place strong legal safe-guards for protecting NHS staff, I also look forward to meeting with him, the Policing Minister, the Solicitor General and the Junior Health Minister to discuss what more can be done to prevent and punish assaults on NHS staff.’

There were over 70,000 recorded assaults on NHS staff in England in 2016. This was an increase from around 60,000 in 2004. At the same time, in NHS Trusts serving Hertsmere there were over 1,000 recorded assaults last year.

Oliver added: ‘It is clear that this petition and this issue has struck a chord with both constituents and Members of Parliament. I will continue to work with Ministers and organisations such as the Royal College of Nursing to make sure we provide effective protection for NHS staff, to whom we all owe a tremendous debt of gratitude.’