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Speakers' Corner

Mugabe knighthood

Tuesday, 03 Jun 2008 10:59
Steps are being taken to revoke the honourary knighthood of Zimbabwe's president Robert Mugabe.

A government spokesman has confirmed the Foreign Office is "reviewing" the knighthood, raising hopes with some campaigners the UK may be about to revoke the title.

Any action would have to go through the forfeiture committee, which advises on honours, before being supported by the Queen on the basis of 'unworthiness'.

The development follows efforts by the Liberal Democrats in April to convince cabinet secretary Sir Gus O'Donnell to "urgently consider" removing the title.

Mugabe was made an honorary Knight Commander of the Order of the Bath by John Major's government in 1994 for 'significant contributions' to relations between Britain and Zimbabwe.

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