What are your thoughts on Tony Blair getting a knighthood in the New Year. His regime is also accused of committing human rights violations. The invasion cost the lives of British troops, hundreds of thousands of Iraqis. In light of Blair's knighthood, a Sunday Times article dating back to 2012 resurfaced on social media platforms, reporting that Blair’s government considered asking the Queen to bestow the honorary knighthood on Syrian President Bashar al-Assad.Ĭiting official papers, discussions about the honour took place ahead of Assad’s visit to Britain in 2002, during which he sought "as much pomp and ceremony as possible".Īssad is accused of war crimes after violently suppressing pro-democracy demonstrations in his country in 2011, which later spiralled into a full-blown conflict. Many others demanded an overhaul of the honours system, with one user describing it as the "favour for a friend" list. One million Iraqis dead, three million dispossessed, a trail of blood to 7/7. UK-based Australian journalist John Pilger wrote: "The contempt in which Britain's elite holds the public has never been more eloquently expressed than in the decision to award Tony Blair the highest order of knighthood. On Twitter, many made their feelings clear following the ennobling. Political commentator Liam Young wrote: "The man should be in the dock of The Hague. The war on Iraq killed hundreds of thousands, created millions of refugees and has left Iraq fractured until today. For this alone he should be held accountable for war crimes," Scott added, in reference to Blair's intervention in the 2003 Iraq war. "He was personally responsible for causing the death of countless innocent, civilian lives and servicemen in various conflicts. Scott described Blair, who served as the UK’s prime minister between 19, as "the least deserving person of any public honour", causing "irreparable damage to both the constitution of the United Kingdom and to the very fabric of the nation’s society". The petition, started by Angus Scott, came after Blair was presented with the New Year Honours, which are announced on 31 December every year. It urged Queen Elizabeth II to have the honour removed. The Queen previously signalled her support for the Prince by arriving with him for the Duke of Edinburgh’s memorial service in March.An online petition seeking to revoke former British Prime Minister Tony Blair’s newly announced knighthood has surpassed its goal of 50,000 signatures within 24 hours of its launch, garnering over 100,000 signatures as of early on Sunday.īlair has long faced a backlash over his decision to lead the UK into Iraq and Afghanistan, which cost the lives of 179 British personnel as well as thousands of Iraqis and Afghans. A comprehensive suite of e-learning resources designed for all ages and abilities with articles, videos, educator tools, eBooks, research guides and more. The decision not to take part publicly in Garter Day for Prince Andrew, whose reputation has been severely tarnished by his involvement in a civil case in which Virginia Giuffre accused him of sexually assaulting her when she was 17, is understood to have been a “family decision”. Reports over the weekend suggested that he wanted to return to his royal duties and was set to appear in public for the first time in months after missing the Platinum Jubilee after contracting Covid-19.īut Buckingham Palace confirmed today that the Duke of York will only be attending a behind-the-scenes lunch and investiture ceremony.Ī Buckingham Palace spokesman said: “The Duke of York will attend the investiture and lunch today but will not be part of the procession or service.” Baroness Valerie Amos walks alongside Sir Tony in the procession (Photo: Ben Stansall/AP) Huge crowds turned out to watch the procession outside Windsor Castle (Photo: Matt Dunham, AP) The Duke of York has been banned from returning to a public-facing role at the Garter Day service in Windsor following reports of an intervention from his family. Prince William walked next to his uncle, Prince Edward, while Prince Andrew was notably absent.
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