Commons Sense

House of Commons · Adjournment Debate

Emergency Services Personnel: Awards for Next of Kin

26 April 2021 · 1 other contributor

Opened by Bob Stewart Con Beckenham

Policing & ResourcesJustice & Courts

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Bob Stewart raised concerns about emergency services personnel: awards for next of kin in the House of Commons. A government minister responded. Other MPs also contributed.

Key points

  • Mr Stewart recounted his experience of saving a survivor and losing a soldier in the Droppin' Well pub bombing, proposing an award for next of kin of those who die in non-military blue light services.
  • The proposed award would be similar to the Elizabeth Cross and named after Prince Philip, with approval from the Queen.
  • The Minister acknowledged the dedication of emergency services and committed to supporting them with measures to enhance officer safety.

How the debate unfolded

MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.

Opened the debate

Bob Stewart Con Beckenham

Mr Stewart thanked Mr Speaker and recounted his experience in pulling a survivor from the wreckage of the Droppin’ Well pub bombing, where he also lost a soldier named Clinton Collins. He discussed the establishment of the Elizabeth Cross for families of military personnel killed on operations and proposed an equivalent award for next of kin of those who die in non-military blue light services such as police, fire, ambulance, coastguard, mine rescue teams, etc. The proposal is to have this emblem similar in quality to the Elizabeth Cross and named after Prince Philip, with approval from Her Majesty.

Other contributors (1)
  • Mark Francois Con Rayleigh and Wickford

    Mr Francois supported Mr Stewart's idea for a Prince Philip Cross. He commended the Minister for Defence People and Veterans on his new appointment, discussed the evolution of the military covenant to policing covenant, suggested naming it 'coppers’ covenant' if it catches on in public sense, and highlighted the fitting tribute to honour those who made ultimate sacrifice not on battlefield but in other ways.

Government Response

Leo Docherty

The Minister thanked Mr Stewart for his compassion and interest. He acknowledged the dedication of emergency services, noting the tragic loss of Jeremy Daw from west midlands ambulance service recently due to duty-related risks. The Government is committed to supporting emergency services with measures like overhauling personal safety training and trialling new technology to enhance officer safety. The Home Secretary has already committed to reviewing current recognition and commemoration of police personnel and families, considering further options for full recognition where due. Although the honours system operates independently under royal prerogative, the Government will explore and carefully consider all options for recognition and commemoration, aiming to continue paying tribute to emergency services.

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