Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, what arrangements his Department has put in place for the public recognition of acts of heroism by private citizens; if he will make it his policy to apply these to the women who confronted the killers of Fusilier Lee Rigby and who sought to help the attacked soldier; and if he will make a statement.

Civilian gallantry awards were introduced in 1940 for acts of heroism and great gallantry other than in the face of the enemy. The majority of recommendations are made through official channels (for example from the Emergency Services) and all cases are judged on their individual merit.