The Ulster Unionist Party’s Justice Spokesperson, Doug Beattie MC MLA, has expressed his disappointment at the news that the Government does not plan to award a medal to the soldiers who are tasked with investigating and making safe explosive devices in Northern Ireland.  

Doug Beattie MC MLA said:

“Week after week I see images on our screens and read stories in newspapers and on social media of terrorist incidents involving some kind of explosives. Some are hoaxes, some are non-viable devices but some, and an increasing number, are deadly improvised explosive devices that, if they were to explode would cause death and injury to anyone that may get in the way, be they the intended target or not.

“Every time we hear about such devices, we know that the Police service will respond with courage and professionalism as they face this danger head on. For this they will now receive recognition in the form of a medal for 5 years’ service operating in a ‘complex and challenging environment’. The award, back dated to 2006, has recently received the Queen’s approval.

“Medals are more than just a piece of metal and a coloured ribbon; they are a testimony of service, they show the sacrifices, hardships and dedication to duty of those who wear that medal.

“Every time the police respond to these IED incidents, be they a hoax or not, they are accompanied by the British Army. This is in the form of an Explosive Ordnance Detachment (EOD) including an Ammunitions Technical Officer (ATO), and at times a Royal Engineers Search Team (REST), who respond with equal professionalism and courage. They do so 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. It is clear that these EOD assets are deliberately being targeted by republican terrorists as was shown in Craigavon late last year when a Victim Operated IED was left to deliberately target the ATO.

“I was therefore extremely disappointed, having written to the Minister for the Armed Forces, to receive word back that these young men and women who we owe so much for keeping all communities safe, will not receive any form of medallic recognition.

“It is fair to say that I may be biased on this issue, but it is also fair to say I want to ensure soldiers are recognised for their work, for the hours spent in danger, for the family events missed, for the long evenings away from home, for giving so much of themselves in the service of their country with little or no long-term recognition.  I believe this is a poor decision by the MOD and I hope they will reconsider the award of an Operational Service Medal for OP HELVETIC in the future.”