The "Honours System" is a curious beast. I am not sure I know anyone who has regarded it as much more than a bi-annual talking point. People who liked Blair, for example, are not going to like him more as a result of his award, and if they disliked him the gong is not going to change their mind. I have known one or two MBEs, but they rarely used it, rather like most of the people I know with academic doctorates do not insist on being called 'Doctor'.

The only thing I find worthy of comment in this is Daniel Craig being awarded the gong James Bond had. The only rational explanation of that is that the people awarding the honours do not take it seriously either.