Major review seeks views on campaign medals

A new review of military medals is taking place to study whether the rules and principles of awarding campaign decorations need to be changed.

The review, which was announced by the Prime Minister at the end of April, aims to consult widely with interested parties, including serving men and women and veterans, before publishing its findings later this year.

The review is being led by veteran diplomat Sir John Holmes, a former ambassador to Paris and Lisbon as well as the UN's Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Co-ordinator.

One of the aspects Sir John will look at is the ‘five years’ rule’ – a long-standing policy that no new medal can be introduced for events that happened more than five years ago, nor can an individual act be recognised more than five years later.

The principal scope of the review is to look at campaign decorations, not gallantry awards or Long Service and Good Conduct Medals.

Although he will not be making recommendations on specific campaigns, Sir John will be able to consider how the existing policy has affected previous campaign service medals – which has already given hope to some Arctic veterans that they might finally be honoured with a medal.

But the review is equally concerned with future policy, and the team is keen to canvass opinions, so if you wish to comment, please contact:

Medals Review Team
Cabinet Office
Room 2.23
26 Whitehall
London
SW1A 2WH

Tel: 020 7276 1237/1311, or email medalsreview@cabinet-office.x.gsi.gov.uk