Welsh Government officially endorses Medals for Heroes campaign

29 September 2023

The Police Federation’s Medals for Heroes campaign has been officially backed by the Welsh Government.

Wales’ First Minister Mark Drakeford announced that the Welsh Government will endorse the campaign, which calls for officers killed on duty to be honoured with a posthumous medal.

The Medals for Heroes campaign was launched by the Police Federation of England and Wales (PFEW), the Police Superintendents’ Association and the Prison Officers’ Association in April 2022, and is championed by families of fallen officers including Bryn Hughes, whose daughter PC Nicola Hughes and her colleague PC Fiona Bone were murdered a decade ago.

Mr Drakeford, who gave a reading at National Police Memorial Day in Cardiff on Sunday (24 September), met Bryn recently to discuss the campaign.

Wales’ First Minister Mark Drakeford (left) with Bryn Hughes MBE.

The First Minister said this week: “I wish to record the Welsh Government’s support and endorsement for [the] Medals for Heroes campaign which will recognise the sacrifice made by emergency workers including ambulance staff, police officers and members of the fire and rescue services.”

The medal would be awarded to the family of the officer, similar to the Elizabeth Cross which is given to the bereaved relatives of members of the British Armed Forces killed in military action.

Gwent Police Federation Chair Matthew Candy said securing the support of the First Minister was a coup for the campaign. He added: “I am delighted to read the official statement released by Mark Drakeford.

“As we continue to pick up high profile and cross-party backing, we are getting closer and closer to achieving our objective which is recognition for our brave colleagues.

“Police officers routinely put their lives on the line to protect their communities and tragically some colleagues pay the ultimate price. Nothing can ever replace them, but it would mean a lot to their families to know that their loved one is appreciated and never forgotten, and an Elizabeth Medal is a way to do that.”

Bryn Hughes MBE added: “To hear that the Welsh Government is officially backing the Medals for Heroes campaign tops off what has been a momentous couple of weeks for us, in terms of progress.

“The pace has really picked up and the finish line is looking closer than it ever has done before. It's now time for the English Government to follow suit.

“I'm extremely hopeful that one day soon, we will finally be able to give fallen officers, our heroes, the recognition they deserve.”

The announcement from Mr Drakeford comes days after Ruth Jones, the MP for Newport West voiced her support for the campaign in Parliament when she asked Chris Philp, Minister of Policing to ‘do the right thing and acknowledge those who gave their lives to keep us safe?’

When asked about the campaign on BBC Breakfast this week, Mr Philp said it is something he is ‘pushing for’ and he is hoping an announcement will be made ‘in the near future’.

Speaking about his attendance at this year’s National Police Memorial Day, Mr Philp said: “I think their sacrifice is something we should always remember and be grateful for. And I’m hoping we can say something tangible on that point in the very near future.”