Plymouth Sutton MP Linda Gilroy today committed her support to the Daily Mirror’s ‘Honour the Brave Campaign’ 

The campaign aims to ensure that the sacrifice of every UK sailor, solider or airmen killed or wounded in action is recognised through the presentation of a special medal. 

Today she met with organisers of the campaign, together with Col Richard Kemp, a former commander of UK forces in Afghanistan.  

In the distant past servicemen who made the ultimate sacrifice were awarded a ‘death plaque’ or “wound stripe”, but no such recognition exists currently. Such medals are common in other countries - notably the American Purple Heart.  

Linda Gilroy said “A British serviceman or women has been killed on operational duty in every year since 1945 bar one.  Today, our forces in Iraq and Afghanistan are encountering some of the most intense fighting seen since the Korean War. So now more than ever it is important that the nation acknowledge the continuing sacrifices made in our name. 

13 November 2007