Local MPs call on war veterans to claim their Badge of Honour

11.06.39am GMT Wed 14th Mar 2007

Stockport's Lib Dem MPs, Andrew Stunell and Mark Hunter have joined forces to launch a fresh appeal for veterans across Stockport who served in the UK armed forces before 1970 to claim their HM Armed Forces Veteran's Badge.

Other groups who can qualify for a Badge include; Merchant Navy seamen, Home Guard, Polish Forces under UK command, members of the Cyprus Regiment during the Second World War, Veterans of the Suez Canal Zone (1951-54), as well as War Widows and Widowers who receive a War Widows/Widowers Pension (the deceased must have served before 31st December 1969).

Commenting on their campaign, Hazel Grove MP Andrew Stunell said:

"We owe our war veterans a huge debt for defending our country and keeping it safe from invading armies and dangerous ideologies.

"So far the Badge has been treated by the government like a closely guarded secret. There are around 21,000 people in Stockport who are entitled to the Badge, but have not yet claimed it. I would like every one of them to be recognised and honoured for the sacrifices they made."

Cheadle MP, Mark Hunter added:

"I would encourage all local veterans to apply for this badge, it's important that their contributions and sacrifices are recognised and honoured, and this is just one way of doing that." ENDS

Notes to editors:

1. If you think you are entitled to the Veteran's Badge, or know someone who might be, please contact your local MP for an application form and more details. Contact details are:

Andrew Stunell MP

68A Compstall Road

Romiley

Stockport

SW6 4DE

Tel: 0161 4067070

Mark Hunter MP

Hillson House

Gillbent House

Cheadle-Hulme

SK8 7LE

Tel: 0161 4861359

Alternatively a copy of the form can be downloaded from:

http://www.veteransagency.mod.uk and click on the UK Armed Forces Veterans Lapel Badge link.

2. According to a Parliamentary Answer, there are on average 7,300 people who are entitled to the badge, but who have not claimed it in every constituency.