Local MP Marcus Jones is celebrating success after Prime Minister David Cameron announced the creation of a new medal for British Arctic Veterans, following his tireless campaigning on the issue.

During a Prime Minister's Question Time before Christmas, David Cameron told the House of Commons that Sir John Holmes' review of medals would result in a new Arctic Star Medal, to be detailed in the New Year.

On Remembrance Day this year, Marcus was one of thirty two Members of Parliament to sign a letter as part of a campaign organised by the Westminster Russia Forum, which was submitted to the Honours and Decorations (HD) Committee requesting that British World War Two Veterans be rewarded with a medal in recognition of the part they played in the vital Arctic Convoy missions throughout the Second World War. The campaign also included a Parliamentary Question by Arctic All Party Group Chair Andrew Rosindell MP to the Foreign Minister demanding the veterans’ service be honoured.

Among the signatories of the letter were former Foreign and Defence Secretary Sir Malcolm Rifkind MP; Defence Select Committee Member Julian Brazier MP; and Sir Gerald Howarth MP, who committed the Conservative Party to a change in the rule when he was Shadow Defence Minister. 

Between 1941 and 1945 British warships escorted 78 convoys carrying thousands of aircraft, anti-aircraft guns, trucks and tanks, fuel, food, tools and other vital supplies through the Barents Sea to the Russian ports of Murmansk and Archangel in a voyage Winston Churchill described as “the worst journey in the World”.

Commenting, Marcus said: “We are delighted with today's announcement from the Prime Minister, and very proud to have played a central role in the successful campaign to give these heroic veterans the recognition they deserve for securing the freedom of Europe.”