A formal bravery medal for emergency service workers injured in the line of duty in the United Kingdom is moving closer to becoming a reality after campaigners held a second meeting with MPs and the policing minister, Sarah Jones. The proposed award, which would recognise the sacrifices and injuries sustained by police officers, firefighters, and paramedics, is now set to be reviewed by the Honours Committee—a key step before it can be presented to the King for approval.

Currently, no specific medal exists to honour the thousands of emergency personnel who suffer physical or mental harm while performing their duties. Many have been forced to leave their careers due to trauma and report feeling forgotten and unsupported. Former police officer Tom Curry, a leading advocate of the campaign known as Honour Our 999 Heroes, has championed the cause for nearly four years. He expressed optimism that the proposal will be recommended to the Honours Committee following ongoing discussions and ministerial support.

"The national scandal can be corrected with a simple medal," Curry said, noting that the issue has received unanimous cross-party backing and was debated in the House of Commons in November 2025. He highlighted that the committee can either approve the recommendation, request more information, or reject it, but he considers outright rejection unlikely given the widespread support.

The campaign has drawn backing from those directly affected by service injuries and losses. Deborah Adlam, whose son, PC Andrew Harper, was killed in the line of duty in 2019 while trying to stop a getaway car involved in a raid in Berkshire, welcomed the prospect of an award for those injured on duty. Adlam, who received the Elizabeth Emblem in 2024—an award recognising families of deceased emergency service personnel—said the announcement offers renewed hope that injured officers will receive long-overdue acknowledgment. She stressed the profound impact such careers have on officers and their families and affirmed that Harper would have supported the campaign.

Veterans of emergency service bravery also voiced support. Tony Gledhill, 88, a George Cross recipient who, along with his partner PC Terry McFall, faced a dangerous armed confrontation in London in 1966, described the development as “wonderful news” and praised the campaigners for their efforts.

The Honours Committee is expected to review the proposal over the coming months, with preparations underway to resolve minor details during the summer. Should the recommendation be approved, the medal would become the first formal recognition specifically for emergency workers injured in the course of their duties. Advocates argue this would provide meaningful acknowledgment to those who risk their lives to protect the public and who often face lasting consequences without official recognition.