UK News
British lingerie entrepreneur says "no" to queen's honour
Jun 21, 2007, 10:19 GMT
London - A leading British lingerie entrepreneur has rejected a top-class award because of Tony Blair's 'dishonest wars' in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Joseph Corre, co-founder of lingerie brand Agent Provocateur, wrote in the Independent newspaper Thursday that he felt Blair's government was 'morally corrupt.'
Corre, 39, was awarded the honour of Member of the British Empire (MBE) at the same time as author Salman Rushdie, whose knighthood has inflamed parts of the Muslim world.
'My decision in no way reflects on my opinion of the Queen whom I respect and would be honoured to have as a customer,' said Corre.
It is rare that honours, which are decided by the government but handed out by the queen, are rejected.
Corre made clear that he is, and remains, a Labour Party supporter, but that Blair had dashed his hopes.
'I believe that the way and the methods with which Tony Blair took Britain to war in Iraq and Afghanistan alongside George Bush were dishonest. They were based on a lie,' he wrote.
Corre is the son of fashion designer Vivienne Westwood, who was awarded an honour in 2006.
However, his wife and business partner, Serena Rees, who was also given an MBE, said she was 'delighted' to accept the honour.
© 2007 dpa - Deutsche Presse-AgenturCOMMENT
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