House of Commons · General Debate
20 November 2025 · 16 other contributors
Opened by Tom Morrison LD Cheadle
Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.
Tom Morrison raised concerns about injury in service award 2025-11-20 in the House of Commons. A government minister responded. Other MPs also contributed.
Key points
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.
Opened the debate
The debate seeks to acknowledge the risks faced by police officers, firefighters, paramedics and other emergency service personnel; recognises catastrophic injuries suffered in public service with inadequate formal recognition; notes existing honours are limited; calls for urgent action to establish a dedicated injury in service award.
Emergency service workers face extreme risks leading to catastrophic injuries, yet there is inadequate formal recognition. The campaign '999 Injured and Forgotten' highlights cases like Jane Notley who were forced to leave due to severe injuries without any official recognition or award. Tom Morrison proposes a medal similar to the Elizabeth Emblem for injured public servants, including criteria of being an injured public servant medically discharged from service. He emphasises that this proposal has cross-party support and urges the Government to act urgently.
Tributes Sue Mitchell, a constituent who sustained severe injuries while serving as a police officer and was subsequently forced to retire at age 26. Highlighted the issue of thousands of former officers facing similar fates. Emphasised the need for formal recognition through medals as a way to repay the debt owed to such service members.
Acknowledged the campaign's widespread support and paid tribute to Tom Curry, who initiated it. Referenced his own uncle’s dedication to policing. Cited a constituent, Robert Gifford, who was forced to retire due to multiple traumatic incidents, including bomb explosions and train crashes. Called for an injury in service award.
Praised the importance of emergency responders and highlighted a constituent, Ian, who had numerous colleagues injured or forced to retire due to injuries sustained while serving. Urged for recognition through an injury in service award.
Supported the motion and acknowledged her constituent Andrew Barr’s contributions before having his career cut short by PTSD and other severe injuries. Advocated for a dedicated injury in service medal to acknowledge sacrifices made.
Acknowledged the campaign's efforts through constituents who were injured in service, such as one who served 27 years with spinal injuries and later was forced into early retirement. Urged for proper recognition of those injured in service.
Acknowledged the efforts of all emergency personnel who risk their lives daily but often receive little to no recognition or credit for their services. Highlighted a recent case involving train driver Samir Zitouni, injured during an attack.
Bill Maddocks, a Witney constituent and former firefighter, was retired due to long covid contracted at work and suffers from a debilitating illness. Despite initial assurances of full pension benefits, he received only the equivalent of on-call pay. The case needs resolution, and Bill deserves recognition for his service.
Emergency services workers face real risks daily and often suffer life-changing injuries that end their careers prematurely. There is a need to recognise their sacrifice and dedication with an official injury on duty award scheme, which would provide recognition and dignity to those who deserve it.
In addition to physical injuries, mental health issues such as PTSD can also result from service in emergency roles. Recognition should encompass both physical and mental health challenges faced by frontline workers.
Calls for a medal to recognise emergency service workers injured in line of duty, highlighting the lack of current recognition. He emphasises that this is supported by unions and previous government engagement.
Acknowledges the importance of the debate and expresses personal connection to the issue. He mentions specific examples and cases, stressing the emotional and psychological impact on officers and their families.
Highlights routine policing dangers that can become dangerous at any moment, emphasising the need for recognition beyond high-profile cases. He supports the proposal for a medal but seeks clarity on timescales.
Supports the proposal and criticises civil servants' reluctance to implement it. Calls for adherence to elected representatives' wishes regarding recognition of emergency services workers.
Emphasises that recognition is not just about payments or medals but also about how emergency service personnel are treated during and after their service. Highlights the importance of existing provisions like gratuity and pension for those who leave due to injury, arguing financial awards have their own meaning and impact.
Acknowledges the difficulty in expanding medal cohorts but expresses disappointment that a commitment cannot be made on the proposal. Urges cross-party support for the scheme, noting public support through early-day motions and petitions.
Government Response
Acknowledges ongoing discussions and work on identifying whether a medal is viable for recognising emergency service workers injured in line of duty. States that while he cannot make an immediate commitment, all interested parties will be informed once a decision is made. The Minister acknowledges the debate's importance but explains that extending the Elizabeth Emblem to cover those injured on duty is not viable. He thanks Members for their contributions and commits to ensuring his ministerial colleagues are aware of the proposal.
Shadow Response
NoneEmergency service workers are the bedrock of society, risking their lives to serve communities. Tom Curry and Elsie Galt are among those who have suffered life-changing injuries but continue to campaign for recognition. It is time to honour their sacrifice with an official injury in service award.