Local MP’s campaign for Bevin Boys recognition ends in victory

25 March 2008

Gordon Banks, MP for Ochil and South Perthshire comments was present at Downing Street today as the first batch of Bevin Boys received their commemorative badge from Prime Minister Gordon Brown MP.

Speaking after the ceremony Gordon Banks said,

“I am delighted that today’s events have taken place and that Bevin Boys have had the opportunity to meet with Prime Minister and hear how much this country recognises, appreciates and respects their wartime effort. The Bevin Boys Commemorative Badge is a token of that appreciation.”

“Although it is 60 years and in some ways overdue I am delighted to have led the campaign within Parliament to have the Bevin Boys recognised in this way.”

“The Parliamentary campaign has been long and indeed was originally started by Roy Mason in the 1970’s, I am delighted that I was able to take up the challenge after I was elected to Parliament in 2005 and feel that the agreement of the Government to honour Bevin Boys is well deserved.

“I look forward to presenting awards on May 9th to Bevin Boys at the Scottish Mining Museum, Newtongrange, Midlothian where many more Bevin Boys who were not able to travel down to London will receive their awards.”

“It was really rewarding to see so many Bevin Boys and their families enjoying today and I hope that they will look back and remember today with fondness, it is however nothing less than they deserve.”

“It is not to late for Bevin Boys to come forward to claim their badge, and if any Bevin Boys are reading this I would urge them to contact my Office who will make the necessary arrangements.