Keir Starmer responds to accusation of stealing ideas from Blair
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The former Labour Prime Minister said it was an “immense honour” to have been made a Knight Companion of the Most Noble Order of the Garter, the oldest and most senior British Order of Chivalry. But the announcement has prompted an angry reaction from some people on Twitter, who raged over the honours system.
Political commentator Liam Young fumed: “What a shameful day.”
Former Labour MP George Galloway tweeted: “Arise, Sir Tony Blair. It literally takes the biscuit.”
Commentator Jamie Jenkins wrote: “If you needed an advert to end the honours system it was tonight. Sir Tony Blair. What a joke.”
Guardian columnist Owen Jones shared an article from 2012 with calls from Archbishop Desmond Tutu for the former Prime Minister to face trial over the Iraq war.
Mr Jones said: “I agree with Desmond Tutu.”
Anti-Brexit commentator Femi Oluwole posted: “If I help create the next ISIS by destabilising an entire region under false pretences, can I get a knighthood too?”
Publican Adam Brooks wrote to his 233,000 Twitter followers: “Tony Blair knighted?.. RIDICULOUS.”
However, others welcomed the move to knight the longest-serving Labour prime minister.
One Twitter user, Martin Angus, said: “Huge congratulations to Sir Tony Blair. Absolutely delighted, 3 times election winner, changed Britain for the better, best Labour leader, couldn’t be happier. Brilliant news.”
The newly-styled Sir Tony said he was “deeply grateful” to the Queen.
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He added: “It was a great privilege to serve as prime minister and I would like to thank all those who served alongside me, in politics, public service and all parts of our society, for their dedication and commitment to our country.”
Sir Tony was Labour leader from 1994 to 2007 and Prime Minister from 1997 to 2007.
Appointments to the Order of the Garter are in the Queen’s gift without advice from the Government.
Sir Tony has had a 14-year wait for the honour, which has regularly been bestowed on former prime ministers.
There is a convention that no prime minister is appointed before their predecessors.
Therefore, Sir Tony’s appointment clears the way for Gordon Brown, David Cameron and Theresa May.
Representatives for Sir Tony have been contacted for comment.
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