To: The Rt Hon Matthew Hancock MP (Cabinet Office)

Official Recognition for our Veterans

Fighting for official recognition for our forgotten Veterans and against the appalling treatment by the HD Committee after the recent Medallic recognition review.

Why is this important?

Imagine being asked to lay your life on the line for your Country, now imagine being given no option to do otherwise, this was the case for many of our National Servicemen. Imagine further being forced to stand and watch Nuclear explosions, without the knowledge it would cause you and your families serious medical issues and often death. Imagine you and your family running the risk of being shot or blown up every day, not in a war zone but here in the UK by PIRA just for wanting to defend our fellow countrymen. I’ll not ask you to imagine dozens of other scenarios our armed forces were asked to perform as part of their ‘normal duties’. You haven’t been asked to because others before us have done so for generations. They have previously asked for nothing in return, but we think they deserve an official symbol of this country’s gratitude.

This sounds like something any government would want to do doesn’t it? After all Her Majesty has already authorised similar recognition for our Kin in Australia and New Zealand. But Hang on, this governments says absolutely not!!

This doesn’t sound like something that could possibly happen in Britain in 2015. But for our Veterans reaching the twilight of their life see a Country that has forgotten these selfless acts of loyalty and duty in maintaining the freedoms we enjoy today.

The scandal of a recent medal review has been swept under a carpet and kept out of the public domain with Freedom of Information acts being rejected in order to protect a Government which openly sneers at our brave Veterans. Official documents will not be released, why?

Sign the petition now to make sure that the Cabinet Office and MOD hears our message: stop ignoring our veterans contribution and issue an NDM. Please click here to add your name:

Wherever you stand on our Armed Forces, treating our veterans in such a shabby and disrespectful way is not the decency mark of a civilised society. 38 Degrees members stand for fairness, and we work together to make Britain a more compassionate place. Fighting for recognition for our forgotten Veterans and against the appalling treatment of those most willing to protect our freedoms will help create the kind of Britain we want to see.

This is an issue of great National importance as it reflects the way in which our country values and recognises the commitment of those young men and women who keep our country safe and free. It takes into account the unique circumstances of serving in the armed forces, the loss of a high level of personal freedom, the inherent risk of being a member of the armed forces, being subject to Military law and the commitment of the individual to put country before self. It recognised and honours both those who serve now and will serve in the future and those who have served, been injured, maimed and killed in the line of duty regardless of when or where that duty took place.

Can you sign the petition now to give our veterans the recognition they deserve.

How it will be delivered

Depending on the number of signatures gained, but we will certainly consider hand delivery and a press conference.

Links

Campaign Facebook Page Campaign Website

Updates

2016-03-29 10:30:44 +0100

Hi Ken,
There are may issues surrounding ex-service men/women from Pensions to Medical Care and Recognition of Service. Jonny Mercer MP spoke in the house just a few days ago about the issue of joined up medical care and I would recommend you contact him directly on this issue as this is separate from the NDM campaign. We would also suggest you consider starting your own campaign to raise awareness of the issue as we are sure you would receive great support from the Service Community. The Nuclear Test Victims Association is fully behind the NDM campaign although we do realise the importance of the issue you raise and would fully support your suggestion, it is a separate issue in its own right.
Campaign Admin

2016-03-28 11:45:26 +0100

Here is the text of the Press Release by the SNP regarding the debate on the 12th April 2016.
Campaign Admin

Link:
http://nationaldefencemedal.webs.com/apps/blog/entries/show/43528329-campaign-update

2016-03-28 00:44:59 +0100

If anyone is thinking of attending the debate on the 12th April you can find all you need to know here. Please remember seating is limited.
http://www.parliament.uk/visiting/visiting-and-tours/watch-committees-and-debates/westminster-hall-debates/
Campaign Admin

2016-03-27 13:27:05 +0100

6,000 signatures reached. Thank you to all who recently signed and for the continued support from all. Your support and thoughts are greatly appreciated.
Campaign Admin

2016-03-25 09:37:47 +0000

Kirsten Oswald MP will be raising the issue of the NDM in a debate to be held in Westminster Hall in the Commons between 11am and 1130am on the 12th April 2016. Can I ask you all to email you MP and ask them to attend and support the Campaign. If you have the time could you go along to the meeting too. You will not be able to speak and must remain silent during the debate but a small show of strength and support would be good, plus we can always speak after outside Westminster.
Campaign Admin

2016-03-25 09:33:22 +0000

Veterans in Canada are requesting recognition for their servicemen and women much in keeping with our own demand for the NDM here in the UK. They have an e-petition you can sign up to to show you support; Link here:
https://petitions.parl.gc.ca/en/Petition/Details?Petition=e-127
Like the NDM a justified campaign so we hope you add you views, it only takes a minute or two. You need to be a Canadian Citizen to sign the petition.
Campaign Admin

2016-03-13 12:39:05 +0000

5,800 signatures reached. Thank you to all who signed.
Campaign Admin

2016-03-07 16:50:53 +0000

5,700 signatures reached. Thank you to all those who contacted Chris Grayling MP regarding his pathetic and ill informed remarks in the House on 3rd March.
Campaign admin

2016-03-05 11:38:46 +0000

Kirsten Oswald MP raised the question of the NDM in the House on 3rd March.

http://www.theyworkforyou.com/mp/25294/kirsten_oswald/east_renfrewshire#appearances
Campaign Admin

2016-02-28 20:54:56 +0000

5,600 signatures reached
Campaign Admin

2016-02-28 15:46:14 +0000

Over the years there has been growning concern from members about the lack of support from the RBL. See below. Following on from some specific complaints I have again writtten to the Chairman voicing out concerns about what appears to be a conflict of interests posed by their involvement and support of the unofficial medals industry. A copy of our concerns can be found here:
http://nationaldefencemedal.webs.com/therblposition.htm (see last entry). Members and supporters can judge for themselves.
Campaign Admin

2016-02-28 15:41:05 +0000

A BIG thank you to Bob Mawbey who sent us in 14 pages of paper based signatures he had collected. We are starting to input these to add to the growing numbers voicing their concerns about the lack of recognition for our forces.
Campaign Admin

2016-02-20 11:36:42 +0000

Calum Kerr SNP is raising a question in the House on the 29th February 2016 regarding the "progress" on the NDM. I would urge you all to email your MPs and ask them to join in on this important question on your behalf.
Campaign Admin

2016-02-17 22:30:14 +0000

Note: RBL members have since suggested that a list of names in support of this motion is compiled at each RBL Branch including letters of support and sent to RBL National HQ to be included in the Agenda.
Campaign Admin

2016-02-17 22:28:53 +0000

Some food for thought:
Over 10 years ago now the Royal British Legion executive were asked to support the National Defence Medal for veterans.
They turned it down indicating they did not support medal campaigns. We have since found out companies who sell badges and commemorative medals 'Bling' make a donation to RBL as a percentage of each one sold.

In accordance with the RBL Royal Charter 1925, it permits members to raise a motion to make an amendment to their Royal Charter that can enable their organisation to support recognition of defence service of veterans who served at some time in HM Armed Forces since 1945.

Our British Veterans are requesting all RBL members to do just that at either a Special Meeting or at their next Annual Conference at Eastbourne in 2016.
Campaign Admin