Forum Topic

Knighthoods being given out like packets of sweets

I have noticed that knighthoods are no longer being given out to deserving people but to anyone who makes the headlines and who also appears more in newspapers. Basically if you are popular or appear on the front headlines of major newspapers, you can guarantee a knighthood.So I assume that Simon Cowell, Cheryl Cole, Pippa Middleton, Nigella Lawson, Pete Murray etc will all receive knighthoods very soon.It makes a mockery of the whole thing. All these people have lots of money. So the average worker who works a normal 9-5 shift and are hard working will never ever get to step inside number 10 or get an invite.

Asha Smith ● 4649d14 Comments

Andy Murray is still in short trousers (See what I did there?).

Susan Kelly ● 4648d

IMO the real people who should be getting knighted are those caring doctors and nurses, firemen, police or voluntary workers who give without asking for anything in return and are in the firing line of duty.All these sports personalities are in it for the money only, same as singers and tv personalities, so why should they be knighted.Anyway, it is all politics. Cameron decides and if it will get him more votes, then a knighthood it is.

Asha Smith ● 4648d

You only have to look at the brown nosers and glad handers who have received gongs of one type or another and who are now exposed as creeps and criminals to know the system id deeply flawed..Archer,Savile,Tarbuck,Roach etc.

Keith Iddon ● 4648d

I agree, Keith, and what annoys me in particular is the men who accept honours while saying they just did it for 'the little lady.' John Prescott, you know who you are.

Susan Kelly ● 4648d

Knighting Andy for winning Wimbledon...how crass that would be.The whole honours system is an anachronism imo.

Keith Iddon ● 4648d

I think a knighthood would be premature, Gerry, and doubt if Andy wants one at the age of 26. He was paid £1.6m for winning Wimbledon on Sunday, along with millions more in extra sponsorship. That is, ultimately, what he works for and good luck to him. Maybe in a few years, when he retires and has helped a lot with tennis in the community, a knighthood would suit. At the moment, I think he'd just find it a bit embarrassing.

Susan Kelly ● 4649d

Hardly meritorious Gerry. What, of note, did he win for the first 13 of those years? I have been 'dedicated' to breathing since I was born :-)

Nigel Brooks ● 4649d

But Andy has been dedicated to tennis since he was 12 years old - year in year out - pray say how meritorious and lenghty do you want a career to span?

Gerry Tan ● 4649d

A CBE, at best, maybe but a Knighthood?I would like to think, perhaps naively, that Knighthoods, save for the political 'rewards' are only bestowed for lengthy meritorious service. Two Grand Slam titles and an Olympic Gold (over twelve months) does not cut it IMHO.

Nigel Brooks ● 4649d

I hope it was Mr. Murray's that urged Mr Cameron to make the suggestion, therefore it may have been Asha's reason too.  That he deserves a knighthood imo.Or maybe our PM suggested it for hidden ethnic reasons - after all, Cameron is a very Scottish name.Whatever the reason, the lad deserves the very best - he's made Britain very proud imo.

Gerry Tan ● 4649d

I think David Cameron was just over-excited, no doubt thanks to the heatwave. Andy himself did not seem to think it appropriate.

Susan Kelly ● 4649d

I hope Andy Murray's success was not  the reason for your comment dear Asha.  He richly deserves to be recognised. Why not a knighthood.?

Os A Whittle ● 4649d

That's the way it's always been.Very few who do the real work get recognised. It's all political and who you know.Or the celebrity route.Sir Andy Murray? Maybe when he becomes world number one and sustains it.Then it will be truly deserved and a carrot for him to chase.

Michael Brandt ● 4649d

Pete Murray? The old DJ? Is he still turning records?

Gerry Tan ● 4649d