A proposed amendment to the Crime & Policing Bill is set to be debated in Parliament today. The proposal, intended to increase the protection available to delivery riders, was tabled by Labour MP Anneliese Midgley.

The report stage debate is set to take place in the House of Commons over two days between Tuesday, June 17, and Wednesday, June 18.

If the amendment is passed, it would create a standalone offence of assaulting a delivery rider when they’re carrying out their work, which will provide more legal support for delivery staff dealing with threatening behaviour, assault or robbery. The call for change has been supported by delivery brands including Deliveroo.

Additionally, the new amendment would clarify the definition of a “delivery person” and legally protect riders throughout their job, from order pickups to drop-offs.

There would be stricter legal consequences for offenders, with a penalty of up to 51 weeks in prison or a fine, in a bid to deter abuse.

Annaliese Midgley, Labour MP for Knowsley, said: “I’ve been proud to support Deliveroo’s campaign from the very beginning. Delivery riders play a vital role in our local communities and are central to the success of retail and hospitality, not just in Knowsley but in constituencies right across the country. My colleagues from across the House should recognise their contribution and get behind the amendment when we debate it today.”

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Major delivery firm Deliveroo launched a campaign last November, ‘Right to Ride Safely’, to call on the government to improve the safety and protection for delivery riders in the upcoming bill. This was in response to the rise in crime, including physical assaults, theft and verbal harassment experienced by delivery riders.

Deliveroo’s campaign has received support from over 30 major UK restaurants and grocers, including Pizza Express, Morrisons, Dishoom and Wingstop.

Additionally, the campaign was supported by the GMB union, the British Retail Consortium and UK Hospitality.

Camilla Kater, SVP of Rider & Care at Deliveroo, said: “No one should feel unsafe while working. Riders play an essential role in our communities, helping to power local economies and support high streets across the country and should have the same protection from abuse as traditional retail workers. I’m calling on all Members of Parliament to stand up for delivery riders and back this amendment when it comes to the floor at Report Stage.”