Airport attack hero's award call

Michael Kerr and John Smeaton both went to the aid of police

The family of a man who came to the aid of police during the failed car bomb attack at Glasgow Airport have begun a campaign to have his bravery honoured.

Michael Kerr from Denny was one of four men, including John Smeaton, who intervened on 30 June last year when a burning car crashed into the terminal.

His leg was broken as he fought with one of those in the car.

Mr Kerr's wife is calling for all four of the men who helped police to be given the Queen's Gallantry Medal.

Despite the actions of those involved, only Mr Smeaton is to receive the medal, awarded to members of the public for acts of bravery.

The four men - Mr Kerr, Mr Smeaton, Alex McIlveen and Stephen Clarkson - were thanked by First Minister Alex Salmond at a special reception in Glasgow last year.

But the failure to award each the Queen's Gallantry Medal has prompted Mrs Kerr to set up a website to campaign for the decision to be changed.

Unfortunately, the other civilians who stepped in to thwart the attack have been omitted from the Queen's Gallantry List The campaign website

The site said: "Members of the public who act selflessly to protect others and intervene in extremely dangerous circumstances deserve commendations.

"It is very important that such brave actions are recognised accordingly.

"Unfortunately, the other civilians who stepped in to thwart the attack have been omitted from the Queen's Gallantry List.

"Their actions were by no means inferior to those of John Smeaton."

Mrs Kerr stressed on the site that despite the campaign, she had no opposition to Mr Smeaton being given the award.

The site added: "They all played their part... and they should all be recognised for their brave and gallant actions.

'Huge oversight'

"Please be aware that Michael, Alex, Stephen and their families are, by no means, against John Smeaton receiving the Queen's Gallantry Medal.

"On the contrary, we very much commend the decision to honour our friend.

"Our grievance is in the government's whole handling of the affair. It was a huge oversight to omit these three men."

In response to the campaign, a spokeswoman for the Cabinet Office said: "We never discuss individual honours or gallantry cases.

"The government hold in the highest regard the selfless actions of everyone, including Michael Kerr, involved in foiling the bombing incident at Glasgow Airport."

This issue has prompted Mohammad Sarwar, MP for Glasgow Central, to write to Gordon Brown urging him to reconsider the decision.

Mr Sarwar said: "The bravery of John Smeaton has already been fully and rightly recognised.

"However, the other three individuals who also tackled the attackers, two of whom were injured in the process, have not yet received official recognition of their role in helping to prevent a far more serious outcome to the events of 30 June."

In his letter to the prime minister, Mr Sarwar stated: "I am sure that I speak for all the people of Glasgow when I urge you to consider proper and public recognition of the heroism of these brave individuals."