Exactly.

Blair and Brown dished a load of honours to their "comrades" too.... not to mention lucrative government contracts.

It's what all politicians do FFS.

Congrats to Goldie and Tony McCoy

Smashing ! Had to laugh.
I will be raising a glass to him !

This. I'm in favour of showing thanks, as a country, to those that go above and beyond (so voluntary workers, charity campaigners etc), but the medals and titles is archaic. (Not sure how else we could show this appreciation but I'm pretty sure that your average voluntary worker would prefer proper funded and recognisable support, from the state, rather than a medal). However, Barbara Windsor as a Dame because she's a 'national treasure' and some of these knighthoods for politicians is just ridiculous. And ALL parties do it. Blair rewarded his brown nosers just as Cameron is doing now. It is, however, a brilliant eye opening way to simply shine a spotlight on just how serve serving many of our politicians are and, if anyone were ever in any doubt that politicians are in it for themselves, this acts as a clear window into their world.

My wife was awarded an MBE some years ago and I must admit enjoying going to the Palace (Buckingham) with her. It was a reciprocal arrangement as she frequently came to the Palace (Crystal) with me in the good ol days when it was easier to get tickets.

It was not unpleasant to see a very attractive Catherine Zeta Jones getting her CBE with hubby and children. However, although an outdated system the vast majority of 100 or so awards on the day were given to people whom I would consider were deserving.

If it has to be replaced by something I would advocate an official firing squad in the Palace grounds for politicians, City bankers and various low achievers.

Edited by Percy of Peckham (08 Jan 2016 9.40am)

Denial is not just a river in Egypt!