The UK government has announced a new award, named after the late Queen, to recognise emergency service workers who die while on duty or due to the pandemic. The Elizabeth Emblem will also be eligible for NHS workers who died during the pandemic. The civilian equivalent of the Elizabeth Cross, which honours members of the UK armed forces who die in action or due to a terrorist attack, the award can be retrospectively awarded for eligible nominations for deaths which occurred on or after 1 January 1948. It can also be given for those who died in Palestine between 27 September 1945 and 31 December 1947.
The announcement comes after a two-year campaign by Bryn Hughes, whose daughter PC Nicola Hughes was killed in an ambush in 2012. He had been campaigning for an award to recognise the sacrifices of emergency service workers. Hughes, who set up a charity for children who have lost parents due to crime, revealed he felt proud after efforts by himself and other affected families to introduce this honour. The father also said that he found the wait for the government’s introduction of the posthumous honour “confusing and disappointing” at times.
Deputy Prime Minister Oliver Dowden expressed his gratitude towards public servants while announcing the new award. He said, “The Elizabeth Emblem will bring the nation together to honour the dedication and commitment of these exceptional public servants who have given their lives in service of the United Kingdom.” The design of the Elizabeth Emblem incorporates a rosemary wreath – a symbol of remembrance – around the Tudor Crown. The award will be inscribed with “For A Life Given In Service” and the person’s name on the reverse. Recipients will receive the award from a senior public representative, such as a chief constable or chief fire officer
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