Written question asked by Bill Esterson (Labour) on Thursday, 1 March 2012, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 8 March 2012. It was answered by Hugh Robertson (Conservative) on Thursday, 8 March 2012 on behalf of the Department for Culture, Media and Sport.

Diamond Jubilee 2012

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport if he will consider extending the eligibility criteria for the Queen's jubilee medal to include veterans.

Answer: The diamond jubilee medal is being issued using broadly the same criteria as the golden jubilee medal in 2002. Medals are therefore being awarded to serving members of key front tine services (armed forces, the police, the Prison Service, ambulance service and fire and rescue services) who have completed five years' service on, and inclusive of, the anniversary of the Queen's accession on 6 February 2012. These criteria, which were agreed across Government and have received Royal Assent, mean that veterans will not be eligible for the award.

Secondary information