The Elizabeth Cross

Today we hear that another two soldiers have been killed in Afghanistan, taking the number to 142 killed in action and a total of 171 killed including accidents and illnesses. My sympathy to their friends and families.

Yesterday it was announced the families of thousands of Armed Forces personnel, who have been killed on operations or died as a result of a terrorist attach since WW11, are to receive a new military award. Around 8,000 families will be eligible for a special silver Elizabeth Cross emblem and a memorial scroll signed by the Queen.

The decision to honour the next of kin of servicemen and women who have died in Iraq and Afghanistan, as well as previous wars including Korea, Malaysia, Kenya, the Falklands and Northern Ireland, was in recognition of the "lifetime grief" they had to endure, Air Chief Marshal Sir Jock Stirrup, the Chief of the Defence Staff, said yesterday.

I welcome this award but it's such a pity it is not also being awarded to those who have been injured during recent conflicts. They too deserve recognition.

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