Why is it that Immigration Officers have been denied the Golden Jubilee medal, awarded by the Queen to those in emergency services? Immigration officials are clearly in the front line, protect our nation against terrorists entering the UK and do their part to make our country safe. Whenever there has been a crisis, such as the hijackers at Stansted Airport, it is immigration officers who have been called on to deal with the resulting emergency.
It was only two years ago that a Labour Minister apparently described them as "shits". They seem to be taken for granted and have become the forgotten service. Their work in keeping our borders secure - against great odds - deserves to be recognised. Just as Prison Officers and the Police have received Jubilee medals, so too Immigration Officers have a right to be rewarded for their dedication and commitment to Britain. Qualifying Officers should belatedly receive the Golden Jubilee medal, so as to ensure that they are in line for the next medal awards in 2012. Our Immigration service should be forgotten no longer.
