Manchester Council gives Unanimous support for DC Oake honour

12.00.00am UTC (GMT +0000) Wed 6th Dec 2006

Liberal Democrat and Labour Councillors on Manchester City Council today unanimously resolved to lobby for DC Stephen Oake to be posthumously awarded the George Cross, and, in consultation with the Oake family, for a suitable Manchester street to be named in his honour.

Last month, Lib Dem Leader Councillor Simon Ashley approached Council Leader Richard Leese suggesting a joint Motion to council. With all-party agreement, today the motion was proposed by Crumpsall Labour Councillor Con Keegan and seconded by Councillor Ashley.

Cllr Keegan, who lives about a hundred yards away from where DC Oake's murder took place, said:

"Local people feel upset that DC Oake hasn't been recognised for his bravery. In the days after the murder, there was a huge outpouring of respect felt for DC Oake, his family and the police in general."

Cllr Simon Ashley stated:

"This is what the Council should be all about - campaigning on behalf of the people of Manchester for a man who made the supreme sacrifice for our city".

Ends....

The wording of the new Council Policy is as follows.

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.