British soldiers who are risking their lives daily in Afghanistan are being denied the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal.

Now a Scottish MP has written to David Cameron to protest about what he believes is a grossly unfair system.

Michael McCann, the Labour MP for East Kilbride, Strathaven and Lesmahagow has written to the Prime Minister after receiving a complaint from a constituent.

In the letter Mr McCann states: “I have been contacted by my constituent, Mr William Pryce, whose son Luke serves in the 1st Military Working Dog Regiment. He is upset that his son will not receive the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal because he does not meet the eligibility criteria.

“This is despite the fact that Mr Pryce’s son has served in Afghanistan working with his unit to eradicate the threat of IED’s. Mr Pryce doesn’t understand why someone who has served in a live theatre should be excluded from this award, and neither do I.

“As Prime Minister, can you take the necessary steps to review and change the eligibility mechanism to ensure that all serving members of the Armed forces, who have served in a live theatre, are eligible for this medal?”

Added Mr McCann: “The current requirement is that members of the Armed Forces (regular and reserves) must have completed five full calendar years of service on 6 February 2012 to receive the medal. Luke has served for three years, including a stint in Afghanistan where he risked his life for his country on a daily basis. Why should he be denied this honour?”

William Pryce said: “My son does a tough, difficult job and he has put himself in harm’s way serving his country. I think that all who have served in a live theatre should be eligible for the Queens Jubilee Medal and that there should be no exceptions.”