Cambridgeshire’s Liberal Democrats, joined by Party Leader Sir Ed Davey, are spearheading a campaign to award the George Cross to two men hailed as heroes after a knife attack on a Huntingdon train.
Samir Zitouni and Stephen Crean acted with extraordinary courage during the shocking incident on Saturday, risking their lives to protect fellow passengers. Zitouni sustained serious injuries intervening, while Crean confronted the attacker, allowing others to escape to safety.
Sir Ed Davey praised the pair for “showing the very best of Britain through their courage, calm and compassion in the face of unimaginable danger.”
South Cambridgeshire MP Pippa Heylings tabled an Early Day Motion in Westminster, co-signed by Cambridgeshire MPs Ian Sollom and Charlotte Cane, calling for official recognition of Zitouni and Crean’s heroism.
In a joint statement, the MPs said:
“The bravery shown by Samir Zitouni and Stephen Crean undoubtedly saved lives. Their disregard for their own safety in putting others first represents the very best of Britain. We would also like to pay tribute to the train driver, emergency services, and Addenbrooke’s Hospital staff, who mirrored Samir’s and Stephen’s selflessness to ensure the safety and recovery of all affected.”
The George Cross is one of the UK’s highest honours, awarded for acts of exceptional heroism in civilian life, and is considered equal in standing to the Victoria Cross, the nation’s top military award.
The Early Day Motion highlights the extraordinary actions of Zitouni and Crean, while also recognising the rapid, professional response of emergency services and hospital staff. It urges the Government to recommend the George Cross in recognition of the pair’s outstanding bravery.
