NATIONAL DEFENCE MEDAL

Early day motion 327, tabled 2 December 2009 by Michael Mates (Conservative). Signed by 184 members.

That this House notes the significant personal sacrifice armed forces personnel make in their service to the nation once they take the oath or affirmation of allegiance to Her Majesty the Queen; acknowledges that ex-service personnel are proud to receive and wear Her Majesty's Veterans Badge, but notes that it is not awarded posthumously and it is considered by many to be insufficient recognition for the contribution veterans have made to the safety of the nation since the ending of the Second World War; and therefore calls on the Government to rescind its recent decision not to more appropriately recognise the veterans by the award of a national defence medal and instead to establish a working group to work with the Committee on the Grant of Honours, Decorations and Medals, with a view to implementing a national defence medal as soon as possible.

Signatures by party: Labour 87, Liberal Democrat 57, Conservative 26, DUP 5, Scottish National Party 4, Independent 3, Independent Labour 1, UUP 1.