Thank you to all those who have written to me about Philip Green's knighthood.
I added my name to the amendment to the motion calling for Philip Green to lose his knighthood, which was passed without a vote being necessary. However this alone does not have the power to strip him of his honour automatically, but it certainly adds to the pressure on the Honours Forfeiture Committee.
Cases are considered by the Honours Forfeiture Committee. If the Committee recommends an honour is withdrawn, the decision is sent to the Queen by the Prime Minister. The Queen decides if the honour should be forfeited. I understand that it has been reported that Sir Philip Green's knighthood is being 'kept under review'.
You may be aware that the Work and Pensions Committee and Business, Innovation and Skills Committee recently published a joint report into the collapse of BHS. This case shows why the Government is determined to tackle corporate irresponsibility, and reform the economy so it works for everyone, not just the privileged few.
The report was very concerning, and the Insolvency Service is now carrying out an accelerated investigation. Jobcentres are also standing by to provide support and advice to those who were affected by the closure of BHS. In the long run, we need to do more to prevent this kind of irresponsible and reckless behaviour.
You may be interested to know that someone's honour can be taken away if they are, for example, sentenced to prison for at least three months for a criminal offence, or censured or struck off by a professional or regulatory body for something directly relevant to their honour. Other reasons for 'forfeiture', as this is known, can also be considered.
