MP HUGH ROBERTSON has criticised the Government for dragging its heels over awarding medals to soldiers who served in the Iraq war.

The Faversham and Mid Kent MP says the "unacceptable" delay in awarding medals to members of the Armed Forces contrasts with the speed with which the England rugby team was honoured.

Mr Roberston had taken up the issue with armed forces minister Ivor Caplin. He replied to a written question from the MP saying he hoped to be able to make an announcement in the New Year–eight months after the end of the conflict.

The Kent MP said: "It is totally unacceptable for the government to delay the award of a medal for service in Iraq. I hope that it is not being done for any political motive.

"Following the 1991 War, the medal was announced extremely quickly. Medals are very important to the armed forces as a form of official recognition.

"The government managed, quite rightly, to hurry through awards for the England Rugby Squad. Members of the armed forces, who are expected to put their lives on the line should not be treated less well."

The MP was adjutant of a main battle tank regiment during that conflict and was awarded a medal within three months of the end of the first Gulf War conflict.