Memorandum by Graeme J Allan (HON 56)
I wish to express my own personal opinions in
response to the Public Administration Committee review into The
Honours System.
The majority of the British people love the
Honours system. It is an integral part of British life and tradition
and serves as an appropriate and established recognition by the
State of those who have served their country well. It is correct
that Her Majesty The Queen should confer reward on those who have
given service to the realm; be they: Pop Stars, schoolteachers,
academics, politicians, sports personalities, actors/actresses,
dustmen nurses, cleaners, civil servants, industrialists, writers,
etc. All have made their own unique contribution to Society and
have enriched the lives of others.
I respectfully submit that to do away with traditional
and much-loved titles such as "Sir", "Dame",
"Lord", "Lady", would be throwing away centuries
of history and we would surely be much poorer. The British delight
in such forms of recognition and are an established part of "Britishness".
Please do not deny us our precious heritage. In my native Tyneside,
the joy and happiness when Newcastle Utd manager, Bobby Robson,
was knighted was unbounded. Any attempt to deny honours to Geordie
heroes would cause a backlash in Labour's North-East heartland,
where football is regarded with religious zeal.
I do not see any reason to do away with titles
such as CBE, OBE, MBE, etc. They are instantly recognisable and
are a vivid acknowledgement of excellent service. They are a reminder
of the nation's history and heritage and an inspiration to others.
The granting of such awards gives pleasure to the recipients,
their families and friends. They are a source of pride and achievement.
The "Great and the Good" and "The Man on the Clapham
Omnibus" both receive public recognition. Those who achieve
prominence in the Arts, Science, Education, Sport and Public Service
are rewarded, as well as those unknowns who toil diligently such
as Primary teachers, nurses, Lollipop Ladies, youth leaders and
charity workers( who use their spare time without financial reward).
The Honours system benefits the whole of society;
why tamper with it? "If it ain't broke, don't fix it".
My father received the MBE in 1981 for his services
as Director of Training for Vickers Defence Systems. It was a
moment our family will never forget. We were inundated with calls
from well-wishers and the day of his investiture at Buckingham
Palace was the most memorable moment of our lives. He has great
pride in being an MBE holder. Hundreds of other families have
similar treasured memories, so why spoil a wonderful experience?
I also submit that reducing the number of recipients
each year would be a mistake. It would deny hundreds of ordinary
people reward and would make the system even more elitist.
Perhaps there may be arguments for reform of
how Honours are recommended to the Monarch.
An independent commission of Privy Councillors
could be established, (3-5 members?). An independent chairman
(perhaps a retired senior judge) could advise the Monarch on awards.
The commission would have it's own chief executive and secretariat
to undertake enquiries and administration. The commission would
make recommendations about the award of Honours, based on merit.
This would end Prime Ministerial patronage and political influence.
It is my respectful conclusion that titles and
Honours do not need change; it is the awarding process. The British
people love history, tradition and reward for achievement and
valour. Please do not destroy a much-loved part of our culture.
February 2004
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