Question to the Ministry of Justice:

To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, what discussions he has had with (a) officials in his Department and (b) Cabinet colleagues on the eligibility of prison officers who have worked in privately-run prisons to receive a Platinum Jubilee Medal in 2022.

The basis upon which the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Medal is being awarded to prison officers is the same as for the Armed Forces and the Emergency Services. The decision about who should be eligible for the medal was made by a cross-government committee and had to reflect the eligible grades from the other services.

Medals are traditionally awarded for Royal Jubilees to recognise and reward the service and dedication of key front line uniformed services in the public sector and in particular to those who are exposed regularly to difficult, often emergency situations and who potentially risk their lives.

Official medals awarded by HM The Queen are restricted to public sector employees, in line with the existing criteria used for the award of previous Jubilee Medals.