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Ministry of Defence

Answer

Mr. Andrew Turner: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence for what reasons veterans of Suez and other conflicts since the Second World War are ineligible to receive the Veterans Lapel Badge inscribed with the words HM Armed Forces Veterans; and if he will take steps to include this group of former servicemen and women amongst those eligible for this badge. [222937] Mr. Caplin: [holding answer 21 March 2005]: All veterans who served in the First or Second World Wars, and widow(er)s whose spouse served during those wars and died as a result of service in the armed forces and who are accordingly in receipt of a war widow(er)'s pension are currently entitled to receive a Veterans Badge. Also, with effect from 1 February 2005 servicemen and women who now leave the Service, subject to certain conditions, are also entitled. When the demand from World War veterans has been satisfied, we plan to extend eligibility to other veterans as resources allow. It is envisaged that this will be done on a chronological basis, dealing first with veterans of the inter-war years and those who served in the 1940s after the end of the Second World War. Veterans who served in the 1950s, which includes those who served in Korea and Suez, will be included in the following tranche.

Secondary information

Type

Written question

Reference

432 c1769-70W;432 c1765W; 222937

Session

2004-05

Subjects

Military decorations World War II World War I Suez (Egypt) Veterans

Link

View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk