Co-lead thanks campaigners and politicians for making Elizabeth Emblem a reality

11 March 2024

The Police Federation’s Welsh co-lead Leigh Godfrey has praised the campaign work of Bryn Hughes following the introduction of an award for public servants killed in the line of duty.

Leigh told national radio listeners that the cross-party support of politicians in the Senedd has also played a role in the introduction of the Elzabeth Emblem.

Bryn has been calling for medals to be awarded to emergency workers killed while on duty following the murder of his daughter Greater Manchester PC Nicola Hughes and her colleague Fiona Bone in 2012.

Bryn Hughes (right) with (left to right) Federation Welsh co-lead Zac Mader, national secretary Calum Macleod and Welsh co-lead Leigh Godfrey.

Now it’s been announced that The Elizabeth Emblem is to be awarded to the next of kin of police officers, firefighters and other public servants.

The honour is the civilian equivalent of the Elizabeth Cross, which recognises members of the UK armed forces who died in action or as a result of a terrorist attack.

Speaking on BBC Radio Wales, Leigh said: “Heartfelt thanks to Bryn. He has worked tirelessly on this and it must be a really emotional day for him.

“It’s a fantastic achievement and something that he should be rightly proud of.

“It’s tragic for anybody to lose their life in the line of service and it’s really important for the loved ones left behind that the ultimate sacrifice is formally recognised, and recognised by the state.

“Being backdated as far back as 1948 really gives it the gravitas and formality that it deserves.”

He added: “The campaign never really pushed against a closed door, it was always open doors but it just seemed to take for ever to get over the line.

“My sincere thanks to Mark Drakeford, the First Minister, and everybody at the Senedd, cross party, who publicly backed this campaign in September 2023. I’ve no doubt that played a significant part in getting this over the line.”

Leigh was interviewed alongside Bryn on the Oliver Hides Breakfast Show.

Bryn said: “It’s been a long hard push, but it’s been worthwhile.

“It’s overwhelming taking it all in. I’m trying to take it in and process what it means.”

“There are two public memorials for police officers, and this work started with police officers, one on The Mall and one at the (National Memorial) Arboretum, but there was no official state recognition for police officers, paramedics, firefighters and that’s what drove me.

“They go to work and put their lives on the line, day in, day out, and when they lose their lives quite rightly they should be honoured and remembered by the state.”

Listen again to the interview with Leigh and Bryn. It starts at around 41 minutes and 37 seconds.