A campaign medal is to be awarded for services during recent operations in Iraq, Defence Minister Ivor Caplin has announced.

In a written statement to the House of Commons yesterday, Mr Caplin said: “The House will be aware of the desire to issue a campaign medal to Service personnel and entitled civilians engaged on operations in Iraq and supporting areas, collectively known as Operation Telic.

“I am pleased to confirm that Her Majesty the Queen has approved the award of a specific campaign medal to mark this operation.

“The detailed eligibility criteria for this award are being determined and will be published in due course.”

Around 45,000 people served on Operation Telic in Iraq and surrounding areas.