Alicia Kearns Awarded Kosovo’s Presidential Medal of Merit
Alicia Kearns Awarded Kosovo’s Presidential Medal of Merit
The Member of Parliament for Rutland and Stamford, Alicia Kearns, has been awarded the Presidential Medal of Merit by the Republic of Kosovo.
Alicia Kearns, who has long been a prominent voice in British foreign policy, received the medal in recognition of her work highlighting security threats facing Kosovo and her commitment to its right to exist as a peaceful, independent state.
Upon receiving the award, Alicia Kearns emphasised that her support for the Balkan nation is rooted in fundamental democratic principles. She noted that her stance is a response to the "irredentism and imperialist ambitions" that continue to threaten the region's stability.
"It was a true honour to receive the Presidential Medal of Merit for my support for Kosovo's peace and sovereignty," Aliciam Kearns stated. "My support for Kosovo has always been guided by the belief that its people have the right to live in peace, security and dignity."
The MP has frequently used her platform in Westminster to call for a proactive UK role in the Balkans, arguing that Western allies must stand firm against external pressures that seek to undermine Kosovo’s territorial integrity.
A poignant aspect of Alicia Kearns’ advocacy is her connection to the veteran community within her constituency. Rutland and Stamford are home to many service members who were deployed to Kosovo as part of international peacekeeping missions (KFOR) in the late 1990s and early 2000s.
For Alicia Kearns, the award is not just a personal milestone but a tribute to those who served, She noted that her resolve is fuelled by a determination to ensure the sacrifices of local veterans were not in vain. By advocating for Kosovo today, she views it as a continuation of the peace-building mission started by British forces decades ago. She reiterated the UK’s "duty to stand firm" with allies facing modern geopolitical threats.
The award comes at a time of heightened tension in the region. As Chair of the Foreign Affairs Select Committee (a role she has held during significant periods of Balkan unrest), Kearns has consistently urged the international community to take a tougher stance against destabilising actors.
By receiving the Presidential Medal of Merit, Alicia Kearns joins a select group of international figures recognised for their contribution to Kosovo’s journey as a young democracy.
