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The former Northern Irish president of the Royal British Legion has been honoured at this year's NI Veterans Awards after being "exonerated" from allegations that damaged his reputation and health. Philip Morrison received the Lifetime Achievement Award and Role Model of the Year award at the ceremony in Crowne Plaza earlier this month as he was honoured for his dedication to the veterans community in Northern Ireland. It comes just a few months after the Royal British Legion issued an apology to Philip for the damage that it had caused to his reputation after he had been suspended from his position as president due to an investigation into allegations of 'non compliant activity'. Philip and his leadership committee were completedly cleared of any allegations 14 months after they were forced to stand down. Members of the armed forces community in Northern Ireland have described Philip's awards as showing "two fingers to the RBL", as they feel he should never have been removed from his position as president over completely unfounded allegations. Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart took to social media following the award ceremony to praise Philip and congratulate him on being honoured after a life-time of service. She also noted that he has faced a "deep injustice" in recent years and is glad that "truth has prevailed" with Philip's exoneration. She said: "At the Veterans Awards in the Crowne Plaza, Belfast, one of our very own Mr Philip Morrison MBE was honoured with two awards; Lifetime Achievement Award and Role Model of the Year "For those who know Philip, these accolades will come as no surprise. He has dedicated his life to service, with a long and distinguished military career, serving his country with honour and courage. "His dedication continues, through tireless work with the Royal British Legion an organisation he has always cherished. However, a couple of years ago, Philip faced a deep injustice when there were those took away from him what he loved most, and did so without cause. But truth has prevailed. "Philip and the team stood firm shoulder-to-shoulder and toe-to-toe and have now been fully exonerated. "No man is more deserrving. Philip is a man of intergrity, a man of conviction and someone I am proud to call a friend. "Well done Philip!" For all the latest news, visit the Belfast Live homepage here and sign up to our daily newsletter here.
