Stockton’s Conservative MP, Matt Vickers, has spoken of his delight after the Government confirmed that it will put forward a proposal for a medal recognising emergency service workers injured in the line of duty.
Matt has long supported former police officer Tom Curry and his campaign for medal recognition for those injured while serving. Tom joined the police in 1967 but was forced to retire after being attacked by a group of nightclub-goers in Hastings, suffering serious neck and back injuries. He lost his job just weeks before he would have become eligible for a long-service medal, which at the time was awarded to those who had completed 22 years of service.
Matt has backed the campaign for many years and has lobbied the Government to introduce a medal recognising those injured in the line of duty.
On Tuesday 14 July, Mr Vickers accompanied Tom Curry to the Home Office to meet Policing Minister Sarah Jones, who confirmed that the Government will recommend the introduction of such a medal to the Honours Committee.
The Honours Committee will meet in September to consider the proposal, which would then require approval from His Majesty The King.
Matt Vickers MP, the Shadow Policing Minister and Conservative MP for Stockton West said:
“Today marks a hugely positive step towards securing long-overdue recognition for the brave emergency service workers injured in the line of duty.
“Police officers who served our country and have made a huge sacrifice deserve to be recognised.
“Tom Curry has campaigned tirelessly and with remarkable determination to ensure their sacrifice is properly recognised. I am proud to have supported him throughout this campaign for justice.
“This campaign now has real momentum, but the work is not finished. I will continue pressing for the medal to be approved and introduced as quickly as possible, so that those who have risked their safety while serving our country receive the recognition they deserve.”
