Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, if she will make an assessment of the potential merits of the introduction of a posthumous Elizabeth medal to recognise police officers who lose their lives on the front line of policing.

It is important that we recognise the vital role the police play in society. This is never more true than when officers and staff make the ultimate sacrifice in order to help keep us safe. That is why the Government supported the creation of the National Police Memorial at the National Memorial Arboretum and enshrined the Police Covenant in law.

All UK honours and medals are in the personal gift of HM The Queen under the Royal prerogative. The Committee on the Grant of Honours, Decorations and Medal (HD Committee) gives advice to The Queen on honours matters, including new forms of official national recognition.

The Honours and Appointments Secretariat in the Cabinet Office supports the Committee and will consider the options for recognition.