Overview

This bill mandates the creation of a National Defence Medal for eligible UK military personnel. The medal will be awarded to those who meet specific service requirements, primarily focusing on those serving in the regular or reserve forces on or before a specific date and who have completed a minimum service period.

Description

The National Defence Medal Act 2015 establishes a new medal for eligible military personnel. Eligibility criteria are defined in the bill:

• Regular Forces: Personnel in paid, effective service in the Royal Navy, Royal Marines, regular army, or Royal Air Force on May 1st, 2015, who completed two years of service and enlisted on or before May 2nd, 2013.
• Reserve Forces: Personnel in effective service in the reserve forces (Royal Fleet Reserve, Royal Naval Reserve, etc.) on May 1st, 2015, who completed two annual bounty-earning training years, including 2014-2015, and enlisted on or before May 2nd, 2013.
• Military Provost Guard Service (MPGS): Members whose paid service equals the two-year qualifying period.
• Royal Fleet Auxiliary: Contracted personnel in service on May 1st, 2015, with two years' completed service.
• General Eligibility: Anyone who served in any of the above forces for a minimum of two years is also eligible.

The Secretary of State will determine the medal's design through regulations, subject to parliamentary approval.

Government Spending

The bill does not specify the financial implications of creating and distributing the medal. The cost will depend on the number of medals produced, the materials used, and the administrative costs associated with the application and distribution process. No figures are provided in the text.

Groups Affected

The bill primarily affects:

• Current and former members of the UK Armed Forces: Those who meet the specified criteria will receive the medal, potentially impacting morale and recognition of service.
• The Ministry of Defence: Responsible for the medal's design, production, and distribution, incurring associated costs and administrative burden.
• Taxpayers: Ultimately bear the cost of creating and distributing the medal.

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