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Written question asked by Jim Allister (Traditional Unionist Voice) on Thursday, 11 June 2026, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 18 June 2026 (named day). It was answered by Calvin Bailey (Labour) on Thursday, 18 June 2026 on behalf of the Ministry of Defence.

Military Decorations

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether his Department has made an assessment of the potential merits of introducing (a) formal and (b) consistent medallic recognition for service personnel who were (i) killed and (ii) injured while not deployed on named operations whose sacrifice is directly attributable to their service to the Crown.

Answer

The Government recognises, and is deeply grateful for, the selflessness of those who serve our country, and for the noble sacrifices they are asked to make to ensure our safety and protect our values. It is fully committed to ensuring that those who serve this country with bravery and dedication are properly supported in the practical sense, and that their selflessness and sacrifice are appropriately recognised through the award of medals where they are justified.

The Elizabeth Cross maybe granted to the next of kin of regular, reserve or Royal Fleet Auxiliary personnel who have died on military operations, or as a result of an act of terrorism since 1 January 1948, where there is evidence that they were targeted because of their membership of the UK Armed Forces. It may also be awarded for non-medal earning operational tasks where death is caused by the inherent circumstances and risks attributable to service in the Armed Forces.

The names of those who die while in Service may, according to the circumstances of their death, be considered for recording on the Armed Forces Memorial at the National Memorial Arboretum. Similarly, the names of individuals who die during their military service, regardless of the cause, are recorded upon the Armed Forces Memorial Scroll.

The Government recognises that there are those who wish to see a specific acknowledgement of Service Personnel who are injured in the course of their military careers. At a Westminster Hall debate on 9 December 2025, the Minister for Veterans and People recognised this, noting that officials in the Ministry of Defence (MOD) are considering whether a defined ‘Injury Medal’ would be the best method of recognition in such circumstances, and whether such an award would be viable: https://hansard.parliament.uk/commons/2025-12-09/debates/DBDED222-7BDA-40BB-AA7D-1D0DE739E84A/MedalForWoundedServicePersonnel

This work is at an early stage, and it would not be appropriate to speculate on whether such an award may be instituted nor precisely what it might look like in terms of eligibility.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
9282
Session
2026-27
Subjects
Military decorations
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk