I have written the below article for Conservative Home today, as I feel strongly that Immigration Officers should be considered for the Golden Jubilee medal:
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.
by Robert Halfon - www.roberthalfon.blogspot.com
I whole heartedly agree. Many a time I have travelled through Stansted Airport, facing very poor scheduling by the lo-cost airlines, and while many flights arrive at the same time, therefore causing queues and significant delays, when you eventually get to the front you are welcomed by polite, friendly and hardworking Home Office officials who are obviously working under great pressure. Their proffesional attitude is greatly appreciated.
ReplyDeleteJust to add Rob- its not just the terrorists that they stop. Its the Paedophile ring members, drug smugglers, foreign nationals wanting to exploit and evade the tax system by moon lighting and of course those visitors with an intent to over stay.....so much more and I write this being friends with a number of immigration officers!!!
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