[jambutty]

Much to my amazement I received a reply from Janet Anderson my MP. Things are looking up.

Dear Mr. Buckley,
Thank you very much for your letter regarding your deep concern over the Veteran’s Badge and the problems you have had with the quality of the badge and the fact that relatives of veterans are unable to claim a badge.

I think the best thing I can do to help is to write, on your behalf, to Tom Watson MP, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State at the Ministry of Defence, for his comments and I will forward his reply to you as soon as we receive it. But, in the meantime, if there is anything else I can do to help, please do not hesitate to contact me.

With all good wishes,

All those ands! However I can almost visualise the reply. Excuses, excuses, reason why things are as they are blah blah blah but not a single “we will honour our Veterans with a badge fit for purpose and a personal certificate plus the spouse or children of a deceased Veteran will also be able to claim a Veteran’s Badge.”

I emailed all relevant details to Jemma and called in to the Telegraph office on the way back from a dental appointment to allow her to photocopy the letter from Janet Anderson. I also left her a badge to establish that my cause is genuine. Photos or scans do not show the blemish for what it is. Two dents. Unfortunately Jemma had left for the day and won’t be back until Monday so I spoke to a colleague. I took the opportunity to hand the badge over with the question, “Can you see anything odd about this badge?” A fair question I think - without any pointers. She quickly spotted the blemish, as did a few other people.

I am a little surprised that no one from the Telegraph catchments area has seen fit to respond to my letter. Maybe it is the hot weather that is deterring them. More likely apathy.