Ross Clark Ross Clark

Why has ‘decolonising’ Sadiq Khan accepted a knighthood?

Sadiq Khan (Photo: Getty)

If you are going to give gongs for public service, I guess a three-times elected London mayor ought to be a candidate. True, it is hard to see what particular achievements have earned Sadiq Khan his knighthood. Violent crime has risen inexorably on his watch, while his efforts to clean up London’s air have been clumsy at best, making life next-to-impossible for low-wage shift workers in outer London who really don’t have any option but to commute to work in their 20 year-old cars. Cars, in should be noted, which are not a lot less clean than the newer Chelsea Tractors which wealthy Londoners – Khan included – use to get around. But that rather misses the point: Khan has been elected three times, so some people must think he is doing a good job. Carping over his knighthood – like that of Tony Blair’s – seems somewhat un-conservative. If you believe in public service and an honours system you should welcome a long-serving mayor being granted an honour – even if he is on the other side of the political fence from you.

Surely, he should have refused an honour which is dripping with colonial associations.

Comments

Join the debate for just $5 for 3 months

Be part of the conversation with other Spectator readers by getting your first three months for $5.

Already a subscriber? Log in