Richard Branson should be stripped of knighthood, says John McDonnell
'It should be a simple choice for the mega-rich. Run off to tax exile if you want. But you leave your titles and your honours behind when you go,' says Mr McDonnell
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Labour Shadow Chancellor John McDonnell has called for Virgin's founder and CEO Sir Richard Branson to be stripped of his knighthood.
Mr McDonnell claimed the billionaire wanted to "undermine our democracy" after Virgin trains released footage disputing Mr Corbyn's claims about overcrowding on one of its services.
Writing in the Sunday Mirror, Mr McDonnell called for an overhaul of the honours system, stating that former BHS boss Sir Philip Green should also lose his knighthood.
The Shadow Chancellor, who is running Mr Corbyn's leadership campaign said: "The whole purpose of the honours system is undermined when the rich and the powerful can collect their gongs without giving anything back. It's even worse when tax exiles are given honours."
He added: "It should be a simple choice for the mega-rich. Run off to tax exile if you want. But you leave your titles and your honours behind when you go."
A spokesman for the Shadow Chancellor clarified: "John believes that it should be for Parliament to ultimately decide who is or who is not stripped of their title, if enough members of the public campaign for it.
"But he would not support tax exiles or businessmen who mistreat their employees retaining their titles."
Labour MP John Woodcock, a prominent critic of Mr Corbyn, suggested the calls may have been sparked by Virgin's public spate with the Labour leader this week. He said: "Dare to question Saint Jeremy's version of the truth? John McDonnell will strip you of your knighthood."
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments