Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether they will revisit the circumstances in which the late Corporal McLaughlin was recommended for a gallantry award during the Falklands conflict which was subsequently withdrawn; and if not, why not.

The noble lord will be aware of the hon. Member for Wallasey’s (Ms Eagle) Westminster Hall debate on 18 November about posthumous recognition for Corporal McLaughlin. Following the debate, the Minister of State for Defence, Personnel, Welfare and Veterans (Anna Soubry) and I have agreed that while a formal investigation is not an option, I will re-examine the facts surrounding recognition in this case. However, to be clear, no citation for an award was received for consideration by the Ministry of Defence and therefore it would be incorrect to say that Cpl McLaughlin had a recommendation withdrawn. The issue is that no citation was actually submitted for consideration by the Operational Awards Committee; a fact that is acknowledged by all parties.