Congratulations, Bryn

4 January 2023

Derbyshire Police Federation has congratulated Elizabeth Medal campaigner Bryn Hughes who was awarded an MBE in the New Year Honours.

Bryn, whose daughter PC Nicola Hughes was murdered in 2012 alongside fellow Greater Manchester Police PC Fiona Bone in a gun and grenade ambush, is the driving force behind the campaign for a posthumous award for officers killed on duty.

The former prison officer said Nicola would be proud of his MBE which he received for his work supporting young people who have suffered loss due to violent crime.

Derbyshire Police Federation chair Tony Wetton said: “Bryn Hughes has been a passionate campaigner for a new medal for fallen colleagues for many years and also works tirelessly helping young people who have lost a family member through violent crime.

“He has always had the full support of Derbyshire Police Federation and we would like to extend our warmest congratulations on his MBE which is richly deserved.

“The fight for recognition of police officers killed in the line of duty will continue in 2023 and will not stop until a positive outcome is achieved.”  

Bryn Hughes with national chair Steve Hartshorn 

Bryn said the MBE came as a poignant way to mark the 10th anniversary of his daughter’s murder. 

He said: “I suppose it’s tinged with that bit of sadness as well because the only reason I’ve been nominated and been given the award was because of what happened to Nicola and the work I’ve done since then.

“It marks the 10-year anniversary so it’s quite a poignant way to mark it to be honest.”

Asked what Nicola would think of his award, Bryn said: “I think she would be proud. She would be very proud.” 

Supporters of the Elizabeth Medal campaign believe emergency services workers deserve the same recognition as military personnel who are posthumously honoured with the Elizabeth Cross which is presented to relatives of those killed in action.

The Police Federation is calling for top level talks with ministers in a bid to secure approval for the new medal.