POSTHUMOUS MEDALS FOR SUPREME SACRIFICE

Early day motion 445, tabled 19 January 2004 by Harry Barnes (Labour). Signed by 69 members.

That this House believes that the supreme sacrifice of British servicemen and women who are killed in the line of duty, in war, peacekeeping or as a result of terrorism, should be acknowledged through a posthumous medal similar to the United States Purple Heart or the Memorial Cross of Canada and New Zealand, which can be presented to the next of kin and worn with pride on Remembrance Day; accepts that suitable criteria for such a medal need to be carefully defined and that this is best done by the Ministry of Defence in consultation with The Royal British Legion and forces' associations; and urges the Ministry of Defence to accept the policy and instigate such discussions.

Signatures by party: Labour 30, Liberal Democrat 15, Conservative 7, Labour/Co-operative 7, DUP 4, UUP 3, Scottish National Party 2, Plaid Cymru 1.