It is his award, he is free to do whatever he wishes with it. However, if he deserved the award (and I'm certainly not suggesting he didn't) and was proud to receive it, then he should keep it. What he disapproves of in the current government's actions is not relevant to why he was presented with the award. Sending it back is a futile gesture.   This government will go - and probably be replaced with one not one whit better.

Ah well, he will always remember that he was given the award in the first place.