Overview

This bill makes it a criminal offence to wear military medals or insignia awarded for valour if the intention is to deceive others into believing that the wearer is entitled to the award. The aim is to protect the integrity of these awards and prevent their misuse.

Description

The Awards for Valour (Protection) Bill criminalizes the wearing of specified military awards, or anything that looks like one of these awards, with the intent to deceive. This includes medals, miniature versions, ribbons, bars, rosettes, and emblems. The penalties for this offense vary across the UK: up to 3 months imprisonment or a fine in England and Wales, and up to 3 months imprisonment or a fine not exceeding level 5 on the standard scale in Scotland and Northern Ireland.

Specified Awards

The awards covered are listed in a Schedule to the bill. This schedule includes gallantry awards (e.g., Victoria Cross, George Cross) and campaign awards (e.g., 1939-45 Star, Gulf Medal). The Secretary of State can amend this list by adding or removing awards through regulations, subject to parliamentary approval.

The bill allows for the addition of new awards to the schedule only if they are given for gallantry or service in campaigns presenting a significant risk of danger to life exceeding that of a normal non-operational environment.

Government Spending

The bill is not expected to have a significant impact on government spending. The costs associated with the bill will likely relate to the administration of its enforcement rather than any major budgetary changes.

Groups Affected

• Individuals who falsely wear military awards: They will be liable for prosecution and penalties.
• Veterans and their families: The bill aims to protect the integrity and respect associated with genuine awards, thus potentially benefiting veterans and families.
• Law enforcement agencies: These agencies will be responsible for enforcing the new law.
• The Secretary of State: This individual will have the power to amend the list of protected awards via statutory instrument.

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