Tri-Service
U-Turn Over Military Medal Contract
The Government appears to have made a swift u-turn on the controversial awarding of a contract to make British military medals to a French company.
It follows an admission from the Prime Minister David Cameron that he didn't know Arthus-Bertrand, who make France's Legion d'honneur, had been designated an official supplier of 20 British honours including the Distinguished Service Order (DSO), awarded to senior Armed Forces officers for meritorious service during combat.
During Prime Minister's Questions Labour's Ian Austin informed the Commons that a factory in his West Midlands constituency was among those who had lost out.
Responding to the fact that medals in future could be labelled 'Fabrique en France', Mr Cameron said "he was not aware of the issue" and reiterated his support for the likes of the Royal Mint and other British firms producing commemorative medals adding: "I'm always in favour where we can make something in Britain, we should make something in Britain."
A Cabinet Office spokeswoman later said: "I can confirm that no French firm has been awarded a contract. Eight companies won a place on the medals and insignia framework, including seven British firms."
"Last year we introduced new procurement rules to take local impact into account when awarding contracts and that is what we intend to do."
The government previously said the tendering process is designed to ensure the tax payer gets value for money. A fact the sales director of Arthus-Bertrand was keen to point out to The Times: "We competed fairly and we offered the very best quality at a very good price but just because we are not English now they want to fire us."
Among those who voiced their criticism was the Conservative MP Colonel Bob Stewart, who was awarded a DSO for his service in Bosnia.
Speaking to newspaper he said: ""My argument is rather emotive but I think that a medal awarded to a UK citizen should be made in the UK - personally I'm very glad that my DSO was made in Britain."
"Can you imagine the French allowing the Légion d'honneur to be made in Germany? When this country awards medals to its soldiers, sailors, airmen and citizens they should be made in the UK."
Other honours which will from later this year be 'Made in France' are the Star of the Knights of the Order of the Bath and the badge of a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE).
Distinguished Service Order (DSO) - The Facts
Who: Although theoretically available to all ranks, the DSO, now awarded for distinguished leadership during active operations against the enemy, is likely to be awarded only to the more senior officers ranks.
What: A gold cross, with curved edges, overlaid in white enamel. The obverse of the medal has at the centre of the cross a raised laurel wreath, enamelled green, surrounding the Imperial Crown in gold, on a red enamelled background. The reverse has a similar raised centre with the laurel wreath surrounding the Royal Cypher 'VRI'. The suspender is decorated with laurel leaves, and a bar of the same design is positioned at the top of the ribbon.
When: Instituted on the 6 September 1886 the DSO was originally to reward junior officers in the Army for distinguished service or acts of gallantry against the enemy. While the Order of the Bath had been available for senior officers and the Distinguished Conduct Medal for the other ranks, no award below the level of the Victoria Cross (VC) had existed for junior officers. The DSO was also made available to junior officers of the other services.
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