Government rejects Glasgow Airport medals petition
05.06.08
The Government has rejected calls for three men who helped tackle the Glasgow Airport bombers almost a year ago to receive medals as John Smeaton, the most high profile civilian, has.
A petition on the 10 Downing Street website said:
‘We the undersigned petition the Prime Minister to award civilians, Alex McIlveen, Michael Kerr and Stephen Clarkson, the Queens Gallantry Medal for Bravery for their role in helping to thwart the terror attack on Glasgow Airport.’
‘We wish to register our support for EQUAL RECOGNTION for ALL the civilian heroes of the Glasgow Airport Terror Attack in June 2007. They all played their part in preventing the terrorists from carrying out their atrocities, and they should all be awarded for their brave and gallant actions.’
However, the Government issued the following response yesterday:
'The Prime Minister is very much aware of, and grateful for, the contribution of all three [men] during this incident. The process for assessing gallantry awards has evolved over many years, and is subject to constant checks for consistency in the award of medals.'
'Recommendations for gallantry awards are assessed by the George Cross Committee, whose members are experienced in considering similar cases. The evidence comes from the Police and others involved in the management of an incident. It is against this background that the incident in Glasgow was considered very carefully.'
'Decisions are made on the basis of the information available. If there is new information, preferably in the form of statements given to the Police, then the Committee would be very pleased to look at the matter again. Once again there is no doubt that the actions of all three men were very highly regarded.'
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