Manchester "Saddened and Disappointed" by Oake Honour Rejection

6.33.41pm UTC (GMT +0000) Thu 18th Jan 2007

The People of Manchester are Disappointed by the Failure to Honour the Sacrifice of DC Oake, says Lib Dem Leader Cllr Ashley

Manchester's Liberal Democrat and Labour Councillors have voiced their sadness at the decision of the Cabinet Office to reject Manchester's request for a posthumous honour for DC Stephen Oake, who was murdered during an anti-terrorist operation in Crumpsall four years ago.

In December, Councillors 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.

Council Chief Executive Sir Howard Bernstein wrote to the Cabinet Secretary Gus O'Donnell, and last week received a reply from the secretary of the George Cross Committee, Denis Brennan.

Whilst paying tribute to DC Oake's sacrifice and the tragedy of his death, Mr Brennan states that the awarding of the George Cross may be reconsidered "if new evidence is brought to light which suggests that the original decision was taken without the full knowledge of the facts of the incident." He added, "I am not aware that any new evidence has come to light."

Crumpsall Labour Councillor Con Keegan, who lives about a hundred yards away from where DC Oake's murder took place, and proposed the all-party motion, said:

"Over 7,000 people have signed the petition on the Number 10 Web page. Local people will not understand why DC Oake has not been recognised with the George Cross for his bravery."

Manchester Lib Dem leader Cllr Simon Ashley, who seconded the joint Motion, added:

"Manchester will be saddened and disappointed to hear this news. However, the Council and the people of Manchester will not stop until DC Oake gets the George Cross he so richly deserves."

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