ELIZABETH CROSS

That this House welcomes the introduction of the Elizabeth Cross, the first time that the name of a reigning monarch has been given to a new award since the George Cross was instituted in 1940; welcomes the fact that the new award will be granted to armed forces personnel killed in battle or by terrorist attacks since 1945 to honour the sacrifices made, with 8,000 families being eligible for the new military award; pays tribute to all those who have lost their lives whilst on active service for their dedication and commitment to serving their country; further welcomes the fact that the award will also cover those killed by terrorists, as they pose a major threat to national security; further notes that the contract for manufacture of the silver emblem will have to go out to tender across the European Union; and urges the Ministry of Defence to review this process and ensure that the striking of the new military medal is undertaken in the UK.