In a written statement to parliament, the Foreign Secretary said:

I am pleased to announce that formal approval has been given to a recommendation for an exception to the rules on the acceptance of foreign awards to allow eligible British nationals to accept and wear the Russian Ushakov Medal.

In May 2012 the Russian Government requested permission to award the Ushakov Medal to British veterans of the Arctic Convoys. Under the current rules on the acceptance of foreign awards, permission could not be given for the medal to be accepted as more than five years had passed since the events in question and there had already been British medallic recognition for this service.

Although under these rules permission could not be given for the Ushakov Medal to be accepted, Her Majesty’s Government have always been appreciative of the Russian Government’s wish to honour these brave men.

In light of that appreciation of this service, a recommendation was therefore made to exceptionally allow the Ushakov Medal to be accepted and worn. President Putin presented the first medals during his visit to London on 16 June 2013.

Applications and eligibility for the Ushakov Medal will be a matter for the Russian authorities.

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