MP calls for new honour for military personnel

Rochdale MP Paul Rowen yesterday led calls for a new honour to recognise dead and injured servicemen. Mr Rowen was leading for the Liberal Democrats on the issue that has united all three political parties in Westminster. Britain's Military bosses came under attack for refusing to award a new medal to our country's most courageous soldiers.

Mr Rowen told the debate: "More than 174 personnel have been killed in Iraq and 89 in Afghanistan during the recent conflicts. At the same time, hundreds have been injured.

"Last year, I was privileged when a friend of mine brought her son to Rochdale. He was an American soldier educated in Rochdale before joining the American army. He showed me his purple heart, which brought home what he had been through and how proud he and his family were.

"Those here in the gallery today, and those whom they represent, deserve similar recognition. I hope that the Minister will agree to a review of the current process for awarding medals, that the recognition that our Army personnel deserve can be given and that we can move forward. I believe that that is what the country and hon. Members here want.

"The Hon Member for Thurrock, Andrew Mackinlay, mentioned the award of medals for past conflicts. In recent years, as has been said, the Government have gone a considerable way to recognise the need for such medals, with the award of the veteran's badge. It would now be appropriate for the Minister to provide similar recognition of those fighting so bravely in Iraq and Afghanistan.

"The past few years have been unprecedented for our military in the number of conflicts in which they have fought on all levels. Many have said that they have been stretched to breaking point. Recognition is long overdue and I hope that he will agree today to move forward and give them the awards that they deserve."

Mr Rowen said after the debate: "I was pleased to lead on this for the Liberal Democrats and it is something that I know is supported wholly by Rochdale people with loved ones in the forces. I hope that as a result of this debate, the Government work with the military top brass to ensure that people who put their lives at risk for our country get proper support and recognition."

Councillor Peter Clegg, Committee Member and former Treasurer of the Rochdale Branch of the British Legion said: "I welcome the fact that Paul has been raising these serious issues in Parliament.

"The Royal British Legion is committed to seeing that all our current serving personnel are looked after physically, with their equipment and accommodation and that their service is properly recognised."