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Written question asked by Baroness Foster of Aghadrumsee (Non-affiliated) on Thursday, 14 December 2023, in the House of Lords. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 2 January 2024. It was answered by Baroness Neville-Rolfe (Conservative) on Friday, 29 December 2023 on behalf of the Cabinet Office.

Police: Northern Ireland

Question

To ask His Majesty's Government what consideration they have given to awarding the Elizabeth Cross to the members of the Royal Ulster Constabulary, the Ulster Special Constabulary and the Police Service of Northern Ireland, who died as a result of terrorism or in the course of their duty in Northern Ireland, since the mid-1960s.

Answer

The Elizabeth Cross was introduced by Her Late Majesty The Queen specifically for the next of kin of Regular and Reserve Armed Forces personnel and Royal Fleet Auxiliary personnel who have died on operations, or as a result of an act of terrorism, since 1 January 1948. The eligibility criteria for the Elizabeth Cross do not, therefore, extend to the next of kin of personnel who served in the Royal Ulster Constabulary, the Ulster Special Constabulary, or the Police Service of Northern Ireland.

All lives lost in the line of public duty are a tragedy. Work is continuing on an appropriate way to mark the contribution of all public servants who are killed while serving the people of the United Kingdom.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
HL1207
Session
2023-24
Subjects
Death Police Service of Northern Ireland Terrorism Royal Ulster Constabulary Ulster Special Constabulary Elizabeth Cross
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk