Manchester Labour and Liberal Democrats Unite to Fight for an Honour for DC Stephen Oake

5.57.09pm UTC (GMT +0000) Thu 9th Nov 2006

The Labour administration and Liberal Democrat Opposition on Manchester City Council have joined forces to lobby for Detective Constable Stephen Oake to be posthumously awarded the George Cross.

Lib Dem Leader Councillor Simon Ashley approached Council Leader Sir Richard Leese to suggest an all-party Motion to be considered at the next full Council meeting. The Motion resolves to lobby the Cabinet Office's George Cross Committee to reverse their decision not to award a posthumous George Cross to DC Oake. The Motion also asks for a suitable street in Manchester to be named in honour of DC Oake.

Council Leader Sir Richard Leese said:

"DC Oake died defending the people of Manchester from terrorism. I am happy to work with others to lobby the George Cross committee to reverse their decision."

Opposition Leader Councillor Simon Ashley stated:

"This is about honouring someone who made the supreme sacrifice. We hope that the George Cross Committee will listen to the united voice of the people of Manchester by reversing their decision."

Ends....

Notice of Motion regarding the awarding of a George Cross to DC Stephen Oake

This Council Notes:

1) That DC Stephen Oake was fatally stabbed whilst on operational duty with GMP during an Anti Terrorist raid in Crumpsall on the 14th of January 2003.

2) That many people in Manchester think that DC Oake should have received the George Cross in recognition of his bravery whilst protecting fellow officers during the incident.

3) That 72 MPs from all mainstream political parties, including Manchester MPs John Leech, Sir Gerald Kaufman and Tony Lloyd, have signed EDM 1724 tabled by Sir Nicolas Winterton MP, calling on DC Oake to receive the George Cross.

4) Recent stories in the press about the disappointment many, including police officers, feel that DC Oake has not been recognised in this way.

This Council Resolves:

1) To make representations to the Cabinet Office's George Cross Committee to reverse their decision not to award a posthumous George Cross to DC Oake.

2) To agree to Cllr Khan's suggestion that, in consultation with the Oake family, a suitable street in Manchester be named after DC Oake.