Military personnel eligible for new medal honouring humanitarian work

Military personnel are eligible for a new medal that will honour individuals for their work responding to humanitarian crises.

The new medal, one of the first new awards to be approved by the King, will be similar to military operational medals and will acknowledge service given in response to a specific event.

Civil servants, charity workers, as well as military personnel, the emergency services, such as the police and health workers, working on behalf of the UK Government will be eligible for the Humanitarian Medal.

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Unveiling the medal, Deputy Prime Minister Oliver Dowden said: "Britain has a long and proud tradition of being first in line to help those in need, wherever they may be in the world.

"This new medal is a fitting tribute to our humanitarian heroes who put the needs of others before their own, often in the most challenging or dangerous environments."

The design, which has been approved by the King, features laurel wreaths symbolising victory in overcoming a crisis, interwoven with a banner proclaiming: "For humanitarian service."

The medal will be awarded to those who have responded to emergencies abroad or in the UK, including natural disasters such as earthquakes and floods, conflict-related crises and epidemics.

The Government said an example of the kind of service which the medal will recognise is the work by military personnel and civilian organisations following the Ebola outbreak across West Africa in 2015, which the UK marked with a bespoke Ebola Medal.

Military personnel have responded to a number of humanitarian disasters over the years, like in Turkey earlier this year following devastating earthquakes.

The Armed Forces delivered aid to the country, transported casualties and provided urgent medical care.

The medal's ribbons were designed to reflect the different paths for humanitarian service and the variety of services involved in such responses.

The white stripe ribbon represents civilians and peace.

The colour red represents humanitarian organisations, while the remaining light blue, dark blue and purple stripes represent the other services.

International Development Minister Andrew Mitchell said: "At a time when the world faces increasing crises, this new Humanitarian Medal recognises the unsung humanitarian heroes who go above and beyond to provide aid when disasters hit.

"I applaud the efforts of those who show such courage and serve as inspiration in a range of desperate situations.

"Our work around the world depends on these extraordinary people, and this award honours their outstanding contribution in responding to a major crisis."