The Hindu : International : Designer turns down MBE over Iraq

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Friday, Jun 22, 2007
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International

Designer turns down MBE over Iraq

Hasan Suroor

LONDON: A leading British fashion designer has turned down his MBE (Medal of the British Empire) saying he cannot accept it from a Prime Minister who is “morally corrupt” and told “lies” to justify the Iraq invasion.

Joseph Corre, who owns a globally recognised women’s fashion label with his wife Serena Rees, was awarded an MBE in the Queen’s birthday honours’ last week for his services to the fashion industry.

He said initially he was “flattered” to receive the honour but after “serious reflection” he decided that he could not accept it.

His reason for turning down the medal, he said, could be “summed up in two words: Tony Blair”.

Mr. Corre said: “I have been chosen by an organisation headed by a Prime Minister, who I find morally corrupt, who has been involved in organised lying, to the point where thousands of people including children have suffered death, detention and torture in Afghanistan and Iraq…To accept this MBE as an honour would mean to me that I would have to accept the Prime Minister as someone capable of giving an honour — i.e. an honourable man — which I cannot find it in my heart to do.”

He clarified that his decision in no way reflected on his opinion of the Queen whom he respected.

“In fact, I think she would agree with me.”

His wife, who also got an MBE, has decided to accept it.

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