Written question asked by Lord Morris of Manchester (Labour), in the House of Lords. It was answered by Baroness Amos (Labour) on Tuesday, 13 June 2006.

Police: Stephen Oake

Question: What representations they have received from officers of the Police Federation and others for posthumous recognition of the excelling bravery of Special Branch officer Stephen Oake, murdered while on counter-terrorist police duty in Manchester; and what reply they have made.

Answer: The Police Federation has written to the Prime Minister and the former Home Secretary. It also raised the matter at its conference on 17 May. The Prime Minister, the Cabinet Office and the Home Office have received a total of 101 further letters on the subject and an Early Day Motion was tabled in the House of Commons in February this year. All members of Her Majesty’s Government were deeply saddened by the tragic circumstances of DC Oake’s death. The sacrifice he made in the line of duty is appreciated by us all. His courage will inspire officers young and old for years to come. The recommendation on whether to award the George Cross is made not by the Prime Minister or any other Minister but by the senior officials who form the George Cross Committee. Any recommendation by the committee to award a George Cross is submitted to Her Majesty the Queen by the Prime Minister.

Secondary information