Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, if he will make it his policy to allow UK citizens who have been awarded the NATO Africa Medal for efforts against piracy to wear that medal in public; and if he will make a statement.

The Government is immensely proud of the courage and professionalism displayed by the UK Armed Forces in support of NATO counter-piracy operations off the coast of Africa. Their effort has helped to deter and disrupt pirate attacks and set the conditions for a more viable and secure region.

Members of the UK Armed Forces may accept foreign military awards, although only those medals that Her Majesty The Queen has approved for wear may be worn. The NATO Africa Medal has not been approved for wear and may not, therefore, be worn by Service personnel.