This has wandered a long way from the subject, but then thread creep is not unknown on Mudcat.
I think that some of the curmudgeonly remarks expressed here, and often 'amazingly' by people called Guest. I bet it wasn't Roy Guest!
The awarding of an honour is recognition for work done, and services rendered, what it's called is irrelevant, as are the comments made about that name.
The returning of said honour is a deeply symbolic act, and is an indication not of the paucity of that honour, but of the deep sense of betrayal felt by the recipient.
The only fear I have is that this gesture will be in vain, as Tony Blair in particular, and New Labour in general are deaf to the protestations of their supporters, and will remain so until the approach of the next election.
Cynical moi?
Giok