SWIA ZAS
CEIVED IN REGISTRY
13
AUG 2,04
D58K OFFICER
INDEY
seen dougles
Honouring Service in Irag
I am writing to draw your attention to David Blunkett's letter to me of
17 May (copy enclosed), in which he argues that UK police officers and other
civilians who have served in Iraq in support of Government policy should be
eligible for the Iraq Campaign Medal. I support David's position.
As David argues, UK police officers are playing an essential role in
reforming the Iraqi Police Service (IPS) and building security capability in
Iraq. We currently have over 45 deployed in Iraq, together with 70 officers
training new recruits to the IPS in Jordan. All of these officers are volunteers.
We are entirely dependent on their good will - and the good will of their Chief
Officers and Police Authorities - for the continued success of the policing
mission. Those officers who are serving in Iraq - whether in Baghdad or
Basra - are doing so at considerable risk to themselves. The recent bomb
outside the Az Zubayr training academy in Basra demonstrates this clearly
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DECLAS COUR
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endeavours in Iraq. We should avoid treating either group preferentially.
I believe that the recognition of all personnel serving directly in support
of Government policy in Iraq, whether serving in Jordan or Iraq, should be
appropriately rewarded. I would, therefore, very strongly encourage you to
pursue either one of the options identified in David's letter.
I am copying this letter to members of the Ministerial Group and to the
Prime Minister.
Tous ever,
Jack
JACK STRAW
DECLARSIGIED