Nicola Hughes: Murdered PC's dad confused over no medal pledge

Bryn Hughes is campaigning for all emergency workers after the murder of his daughter Nicola

The father of murdered PC Nicola Hughes has said he is "disappointed" the home secretary did not pledge to honour emergency workers killed on duty while speaking at a police conference.

Bryn Hughes, whose daughter was killed alongside PC Fiona Bone 11 years ago, has been campaigning for a medal to be given posthumously to families.

Suella Braverman said she hoped to "announce something very soon."

Mr Hughes said the lack of a firm commitment was an "opportunity missed".

At the Police Federation's annual conference, Ms Braverman said she supported the Medals for Heroes campaign and that there was "wide support across the government for this".

Mr Hughes said he had been told "several times" that there would be a firm commitment.

"I'm disappointed and confused," he said.

"We've heard something will happen very soon several times now and I think this was an ideal opportunity missed to openly pledge that support by introducing a posthumous award, that would mean so much to bereaved families like myself."

Suella Braverman says there is widespread support across the government for the campaign

Ms Braverman was asked why there had been a delay to the process, to which she said: "This requires consideration and is a decision made by royal warrant confirmed by the monarch.

"The committee of the grant of honours, decorations and medals, advises the monarch on such issues."

Greater Manchester PCs Ms Hughes, 23, and Ms Bone, 32, were killed in an ambush by on-the-run gunman Dale Cregan in September 2012.

Labour's Shadow Home Secretary Yvette Cooper told the Police Superintendents' Association conference last month her party would introduce a posthumous medal because "those who give their lives trying to keep people safe should be honoured".

Asked for comment, the Home Office directed the BBC back to Ms Braverman's comments.

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