PARLIAMENTARY EARLY DAY MOTION
ARCTIC STAR EMBLEM (19 January 2006)

That this House welcomes the creation of the Arctic Star Emblem, which recognises the heroism of the veterans of the Merchant Navy, Royal Navy, RAF and Army who took part in the horrendous four-year Arctic Campaign during the Second World War; notes that the emblem finally recognises the feats of those who sailed in sub-zero conditions, under constant attack from German dive bombers, submarines and battleships, to get vital supplies to the Soviet Union, keeping an important ally in the war; further notes that the campaign for this recognition enjoyed excellent cross-party support and congratulates the Secretary of State for Defence for bringing a speedy resolution to this 60-year injustice, just months after his appointment; congratulates Commander Eddie Grenfell of Havant, Hampshire, one of the few survivors of a ship sunk in the Arctic, who was elected to lead the campaign for recognition by the Russian Convoy Club; further notes that, now aged 86, he tirelessly fought on for the last eight years, at great personal expense, and never gave up in the face of adversity; and further congratulates The News in Portsmouth, which has vigorously supported Commander Grenfell, not least through the provision of office facilities for the campaign.

Sponsored by:
Mr Mike Hancock (Independent)