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St John Volunteers Denied Jubilee Medal
7th March 2012
The UK Government has confirmed it will not be extending the eligibility of the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal to St John volunteers but will be exploring other ways for the charity’s members to be recognised.
St John Wales received the backing from a number of Welsh AMs and MPs for its volunteers to be considered for the medal, with Labour MP for Newport East Jessica Morden tabling an Early Day Motion and submitting a written question for the matter to be raised at the House of Commons.
She said: “I think people who voluntarily give up their time to provide lifesaving skills should also receive the medal. Five years dedicated service in a voluntary capacity is definitely worth rewarding.”
The first aid charity received a letter from the Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Wales David Jones MP outlining why the criteria for the medal would not be changed.
He said: “The medal criteria were agreed across Government and has received Royal Assent. This is not to say that we underestimate the extremely valuable and important work that organisations such as St John Ambulance carry out and we appreciate that the exclusion of some groups and organisations will be disappointing.”
He said the Diamond Jubilee Medal is only one of the ways to recognise people who provide vital support in the community, adding that: “The Government is working very hard to identify other ways during the Diamond Jubilee year of demonstrating our and Her Majesty’s appreciation for the hard work and dedication of those who provide services but who fall outside of the medal eligibility criteria.”
Keith Dunn, Chief Executive of St John Wales, said: “We are very disappointed that our volunteers will be excluded from receiving the Diamond Jubilee Medal as they provide vital lifesaving support in communities across Wales but we are hopeful the Government will show its appreciation for their invaluable work through other means.”
Emergency services personnel, prison services employees and members of the Armed Forces are amongst those who will receive the medal marking the monarch’s 60 years on the throne. Living holders of the Victoria Cross and George Cross as well as members of the royal household will also be eligible for the award. As are police community support officers who have completed five full calendar years of service.
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