Latest news with #honours
Telegraph
3 days ago
- Business
- Telegraph
Starmer appoints diversity tsar to advise on knighthoods
Sir Keir Starmer has appointed a diversity tsar to make sure the honours system reflects the 'full richness' of British society. Moni Mannings, the founder of a network that aims to empower people of colour, will head a new committee tasked with ensuring that honours are handed to people 'from all walks of life'. Announcing her appointment on Monday, the Cabinet Office said she would help deliver an honours system that was 'representative of the United Kingdom'. Ms Mannings, a qualified solicitor, received an OBE for services to cultural philanthropy, business and charity last year. She is the founder of EPOC, a network that seeks to boost the number of people of colour on company boards. She currently serves on the board of the Co-operative Group, whose supermarkets decided to stop sourcing goods from Israel earlier this year after identifying it as one of 17 'countries of concern'. The list, which also featured Iran, included places where the company believed there to be 'internationally recognised' human rights abuses and violations of international law. At the time, Debbie White, who chairs the Co-op board, said the policy was a 'clear demonstration of our co-operative values in action, where the voices of our members have been listened to and then acted upon'. 'We are committed, where we can, to removing products and ingredients from our shelves which are sourced from those countries where the international consensus demonstrates there is not alignment with what happens in those countries and our co-operative values and principles,' she said. The new honours, diversity and outreach committee will include a member of each of the 10 existing expert panels that recommend people for gongs in specialist areas such as sport, education and political service. The idea is to help these committees deliver an honours system that is 'representative of UK society' through a programme of 'policy improvements and interventions'. The diversity and outreach committee's work will be 'guided by the Prime Minister's strategic priorities for the honours system', with the members advising 'how these are reflected in each honours list '. Ms Mannings will serve as its independent chair for five years, with her term ending in July 2030. In a statement, she said: 'I am delighted to accept my appointment as the independent chair of this new committee. 'The honours system is one of our nation's most visible mechanisms not only for celebrating individual contribution but also of promoting our society's values. 'Recognising excellence from all walks of life isn't just a symbolic act – it is how we tell our national story. I would be privileged to play a role in ensuring that the honours system reflects and celebrates the full richness of our society.'
The Guardian
3 days ago
- Sport
- The Guardian
Kelly and Hampton lined up for MBEs after starring in Lionesses' Euro 2025 victory
Chloe Kelly and Hannah Hampton are expected to be awarded MBEs with England's Lionesses set to be lavished with nominations in the new year honours list following their historic European Championship victory. Sarina Wiegman's squad were widely honoured after winning the European title for the first time three years ago, with captain Leah Williamson named as an OBE and Lucy Bronze, Beth Mead and Ellen White receiving MBEs. Stand-in captain Millie Bright was awarded an OBE while Mary Earps and Lauren Hemp got MBEs after England reached the World Cup final 12 months later. Kelly missed out in 2022 despite scoring England's match-winning goal in their extra-time win over Germany in the final and providing the tournament's iconic moment with her celebration, an oversight that is expected to be corrected by Downing Street in the next honour list. The nomination process for honours is managed by the Cabinet Office, with Kelly and Hampton regarded as shoo-ins for the way they have thrilled a nation who have been glued to the Euros for much of the summer, with tens of millions of people watching on BBC and ITV. Kelly was even more pivotal to England's triumph in Switzerland. The 27-year-old came off the bench again to change the game in Sunday's final against Spain by providing the cross for Alessia Russo's equaliser and then scoring the decisive penalty in the shootout. In the semi-final against Italy the Arsenal winger scored their winner in the last minute of extra time winner from a penalty rebound. Goalkeeper Hampton is also set to be honoured for her shootout heroics and is likely to join former teammate Earps as an MBE. The 24-year-old Chelsea goalkeeper saved two penalties against Spain having also made two saves in England's epic quarter-final shootout win over Sweden. Williamson's OBE may also be upgraded to a CBE as recognition for the Arsenal defender becoming the first footballer to lead England to successive major titles, as well as becoming the first captain to lift a major trophy abroad. The 28-year-old missed the 2023 World Cup after sustaining an anterior cruciate ligament injury three months before the tournament. Wiegman was awarded an honorary CBE after England's first European Championship win – she is a Dutch citizen – which is now expected to be upgraded to an honorary damehood. The 55-year-old has two years left on her contract with the FA with no immediate plans to discuss an extension as she has already committed to leading England to the 2027 World Cup in Brazil. Sign up to Moving the Goalposts No topic is too small or too big for us to cover as we deliver a twice-weekly roundup of the wonderful world of women's football after newsletter promotion The FA's president, the Prince of Wales, took part in the medal presentation ceremony in Basel and King Charles thanked the team for their 'awesome' achievement. A victory parade down the Mall in London on Tuesday will conclude with a presentation ceremony at the Victoria Memorial in front of Buckingham Palace.
Malay Mail
5 days ago
- Politics
- Malay Mail
Pahang Sultan: Dishonourable titleholders will be stripped of state honours immediately
KUANTAN, July 26 — Sultan of Pahang, Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri'ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah, today emphasised that titles and state honours should not be used as an excuse for abusing power, nor are they mere ornaments or sources of pride at social gatherings. His Royal Highness said these awards represent a symbol of dignity, trust, and honour - attributes reserved for those who uphold integrity and respect the laws of the state. Such honours cannot, and will not, protect individuals who violate the law, betray the state, or undermine justice. 'I will not tolerate the misuse of the honour bestowed upon individuals to oppress others, steal state resources, or tarnish the reputation of the royal institution,' Al-Sultan Abdullah said. He further stressed that, effective immediately, any individual holding titles such as Dato', Dato' Indera, Dato' Sri, or similar, and found to be involved in criminal activities, corruption, land encroachment, illegal mining, or logging without a permit, will face immediate suspension or revocation of their title. His Highness made these remarks during the Investiture Ceremony at Istana Abdulaziz here in conjunction with the 66th birthday of the Sultan of Pahang. The Ruler also revealed that, to date, 49 out of 67 individuals are awaiting the revocation of their state honours due to various violations. His Highness expressed concern over certain individuals who, without hesitation, falsely invoke his name as Sultan of Pahang or associate the Pahang Palace with claims of royal approval or protection, which have no basis. On the issue of illegal land encroachment, Al-Sultan Abdullah called for a comprehensive inspection, investigation, and strict enforcement across all districts, with actions to be extended throughout Pahang. 'I do not want Pahang's agricultural industry, particularly the durian sector, which is a source of pride, to suffer the same fate as neighbouring countries, where weak land management and unclear policies have led to monopolisation and a lack of competitiveness,' His Highness said. Furthermore, His Highness expressed disappointment with those who fuel division, particularly those who subtly sow discord between races and religions. 'I urge, especially the youth, to be responsible users of social media. Use your voices and influence to build, not destroy; to unite, not divide,' Al-Sultan Abdullah said. Regarding healthcare, His Highness emphasised the urgency of expediting the construction of the Maran Hospital, as it is no longer a choice but a critical necessity. His Highness also called for Pahang to become a state that is conducive to the growth of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), encouraging opportunities across various sectors and ensuring that entrepreneurs are not hindered by bureaucratic obstacles. In his royal address, His Highness further urged the state government to strengthen, expand, and streamline the Pahang Prosperity Initiative, increase targeted assistance, and enhance welfare funds, food aid, job training, and housing support. — Bernama
The Independent
16-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Independent
X Factor winner Leona Lewis to be made an OBE at Windsor Castle
Pop singer Leona Lewis and the former health secretary who oversaw the 2007 indoor smoking ban are to be honoured in an investiture ceremony at Windsor Castle. X Factor winner Lewis will be made an OBE for services to music and charity. Ex-Labour politician Dame Patricia Hewitt, who as health secretary pushed forward the ban on smoking in enclosed public spaces, will be made a Dame Commander of the British Empire (DCB). Former Conservative schools minister Sir Nick Gibb will receive a knighthood. Presenter and singer Myleene Klass, a former member of the group Hear'Say and runner-up in the 2006 series of I'm A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here!, will be made an MBE for services to women's health, miscarriage awareness and charity. Lewis, 40, won the third series of The X Factor in 2006 and went on to achieve success with singles including Bleeding Love, Run and Better In Time. The British singer-songwriter from Islington, north London, became a seven-time Brit award nominee and was nominated three times for a Grammy award. She has also carried out charity work with a number of organisations including the Prince's Trust, the Teenage Cancer Trust and WWF. Dame Patricia, previously the chairwoman of NHS Norfolk and Waveney Integrated Care Board, is being honoured for services to healthcare transformation. The former MP for Leicester West served as health secretary, trade and industry secretary and minister for women during Tony Blair's government. The Australian-born politician stepped down from cabinet in June 2007 when Gordon Brown took over as prime minister. Sir Nick was first elected as Conservative MP for Bognor Regis and Littlehampton in 1997 and was first appointed as school standards minister in 2010, before being removed from the post two years later. He was brought back as minister for school standards in 2014 and remained in the role until the reshuffle in September 2021 when he was sacked by then prime minister Boris Johnson. The veteran schools minister, who is being honoured for services to education, returned to the Department for Education (DfE) in October 2022 and stepped down from Government in 2023. During his tenure he oversaw curriculum and exam reforms and was an advocate of phonics as a method of teaching children to read. Klass, 47, has campaigned for paid bereavement leave to be extended to those who experience a miscarriage. The mother of three suffered four miscarriages and has spoken openly about the psychological effects of baby loss on women. She is an ambassador for the pregnancy and baby charity Tommy's and fronted the Bafta-nominated documentary Myleene Klass: Miscarriage And Me in 2021, in which she met women around the UK to hear their experiences.
Yahoo
16-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
X Factor winner Leona Lewis to be made an OBE at Windsor Castle
Pop singer Leona Lewis and the former health secretary who oversaw the 2007 indoor smoking ban are to be honoured in an investiture ceremony at Windsor Castle. X Factor winner Lewis will be made an OBE for services to music and charity. Ex-Labour politician Dame Patricia Hewitt, who as health secretary pushed forward the ban on smoking in enclosed public spaces, will be made a Dame Commander of the British Empire (DCB). Former Conservative schools minister Sir Nick Gibb will receive a knighthood. Presenter and singer Myleene Klass, a former member of the group Hear'Say and runner-up in the 2006 series of I'm A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here!, will be made an MBE for services to women's health, miscarriage awareness and charity. Lewis, 40, won the third series of The X Factor in 2006 and went on to achieve success with singles including Bleeding Love, Run and Better In Time. The British singer-songwriter from Islington, north London, became a seven-time Brit award nominee and was nominated three times for a Grammy award. She has also carried out charity work with a number of organisations including the Prince's Trust, the Teenage Cancer Trust and WWF. Dame Patricia, previously the chairwoman of NHS Norfolk and Waveney Integrated Care Board, is being honoured for services to healthcare transformation. The former MP for Leicester West served as health secretary, trade and industry secretary and minister for women during Tony Blair's government. The Australian-born politician stepped down from cabinet in June 2007 when Gordon Brown took over as prime minister. Sir Nick was first elected as Conservative MP for Bognor Regis and Littlehampton in 1997 and was first appointed as school standards minister in 2010, before being removed from the post two years later. He was brought back as minister for school standards in 2014 and remained in the role until the reshuffle in September 2021 when he was sacked by then prime minister Boris Johnson. The veteran schools minister, who is being honoured for services to education, returned to the Department for Education (DfE) in October 2022 and stepped down from Government in 2023. During his tenure he oversaw curriculum and exam reforms and was an advocate of phonics as a method of teaching children to read. Klass, 47, has campaigned for paid bereavement leave to be extended to those who experience a miscarriage. The mother of three suffered four miscarriages and has spoken openly about the psychological effects of baby loss on women. She is an ambassador for the pregnancy and baby charity Tommy's and fronted the Bafta-nominated documentary Myleene Klass: Miscarriage And Me in 2021, in which she met women around the UK to hear their experiences.
