New medal to honour public servants who've died in the line of duty
The 'Elizabeth Emblem' will be given to family members
Last updated 9th Mar 2024
Emergency service workers and public servants who've died in the line of duty are to be recognised with a new posthumous bravery medal.
The Elizabeth Emblem will be given to family members as a mark of honour for their loved ones sacrifice.
The likes of murdered Batley & Spen MP Jo Cox and Bradford policewoman Sharon Beshenivsky would be eligible.
Bryn Hughes and Paul Bone called for medals to be awarded, following the deaths of their daughters Pcs Nicola Hughes and Fiona Bone, who were murdered by Dale Cregan in Greater Manchester in 2012.
They'd been responding to a 999 call
The award is the civilian equivalent of the Elizabeth Cross, which recognises members of the UK Armed Forces who died in action or as a result of a terrorist attack.
Mr Hughes said it was something that had been "missed off the radar" previously.
He said:
"It's been nearly three years campaigning for me and for it finally to be announced, I think in one respect it's humbling but overwhelming.
"I'm so pleased for everybody, not just the police officers, as well, we've found out it's for everybody in public service and that will mean a lot for those families, I think.
"We've got recognition, local recognition and charitable recognition with the memorial on the Mall, but to finally have something from the state, from the Government, that means so much."
Mr Bone, 75, said:
"I'm very pleased for all the police that have lost their lives in service that they're now getting recognition by the state and for all the families involved it will be a privilege to get them."
"It's for the community who have given their families to service for the community."
Policing minister Chris Philp said: "We owe so much to our public servants who make sacrifices every day to keep us safe.
"The Elizabeth Emblem will recognise those who tragically lost their lives in public service and rightly enshrine them in our country's history so that their sacrifices are never forgotten."
Families will be able to apply for the emblem via gov.uk from Saturday, with nominations then reviewed by the George Cross Committee before recommendations are made to the King via the Prime Minister.