DC Stephen Oake was stabbed during an anti-terrorism raid

Det Con Stephen Oake, from Poynton in Cheshire, was stabbed to death in an anti-terrorism raid in January 2003.

Sir Nicholas Winterton said he "deeply regretted" the decision by the Cabinet Office's George Cross Committee.

The Home Office has said previously that standards for awarding the gallantry awards were "extremely high".

'Extreme danger'

Special Branch officer Det Con Oake, 40, was stabbed by al-Qaeda suspect Kamel Bourgass at a flat in Crumpsall during an anti-terrorist raid after going to the aid of other officers.

Greater Manchester Police had nominated him for the George Cross, the highest civilian award for gallantry.

The George Cross is the civilian equivalent to the Victoria Cross and has not been awarded to a police officer for 30 years.

It is given for "acts of the greatest heroism or the most conspicuous courage in circumstances of extreme danger".

In a Commons early day motion, Sir Nicholas (MP for Macclesfield) said on Wednesday the decision not to make the award had been received with "disappointment and sadness" by Det Con Oake's family.

'Deeply regret'

He said: "I deeply regret that the Cabinet Office's George Cross Committee has decided not to recommend DC Oake posthumously to receive the George Cross in recognition of his bravery while protecting fellow officers during the incident."

Mr Oake was a married father-of-three.

His father, Robin, is a retired Chief Constable of the Isle of Man Police and previous Assistant Chief Constable in Greater Manchester.

To nominate someone for the George Cross, a police chief constable puts forward an officer and tells the Home Office, which considers them on their merits with advice from HM Inspectorate of Constabulary.

A recommendation is then made to the Cabinet Office's George Cross Committee.