First Minister backs Elizabeth Medal campaign

20 July 2023

First Minister Mark Drakeford and Welsh lead Nicky Ryan at the Police Bravery Awards.

Welsh lead Nicky Ryan is preparing to take the Federation’s #MedalsForHeroes campaign to the Welsh Government after First Minister of Wales Mark Drakeford pledged his support for the campaign at this year’s Police Bravery Awards.

The Police Federation of England and Wales (PFEW) will be urging Welsh MPs to get behind the campaign, calling for an Elizabeth Medal to be given posthumously to emergency service workers killed while on duty.

The campaign is already being backed by Mr Drakeford, who promised to drive change, having spoken to Bryn Hughes - the father of PC Nicola Hughes who was tragically murdered in 2012 - at this year’s bravery awards ceremony.

“We are seeking this award for all emergency service workers who are killed in the line of duty. And as the fire and ambulance service are devolved under the Welsh Government, we are hoping that they take notice of this campaign,” said Nicky.

“As it stands, there is no formal state recognition available for when an emergency service worker dies doing their job in keeping our communities safe. The introduction of an Elizabeth Medal would ensure that those who have died in service, such as Bryn’s daughter, Nicola, receive formal state recognition of the sacrifice they have made.”

Nicky’s comments come shortly before the National Police Memorial Day, which this year is being held on Sunday 24 September in Cardiff.

“The Elizabeth Medal wouldn’t just be for the person who died, it would be for their families and friends left behind too,” continued Nicky.

“You can see just how much of a difference events like the National Police Memorial Day make to loved ones - giving them a chance to honour, remember and recognise the sacrifice our colleagues made while protecting the public.  

“Firefighters, ambulance workers, prison officers and police officers put their lives on the line every day, it’s only right that their sacrifice is never forgotten. Their friends and family deserve to know that their courage is properly recognised and acknowledged.”

Having spoken to the First Minister at the Police Bravery Awards, Bryn said it is ‘positive to see’ him supporting the campaign ‘both publicly and politically’.

“In the last 12 months, we have seen two home secretaries pledge their support for this campaign at national Federation events,” said Bryn, who is leading the fight for an Elizabeth Medal in honour of his 23-year-old daughter.

“And now we have support from the First Minister of Wales. This is a very positive step for us.”

Bryn explained that on the night of the bravery awards, the First Minister promised he would look into how the Welsh Government could help to introduce such a medal. 

He added: “He has also invited me to speak to Welsh MPs about the campaign, which could be massive in driving this campaign forward.”