I think it's a bit more insidious than a bi-annual talking point. Sir Paul McCartney, Sir Bob Geldof, Sir Mick Jagger, Sir Elton John, Sir Cliff Richard, Sir Lewis Hamilton, Dame Mary Berry, Dame Twiggy... their Sirhoods or Damehoods are routinely trotted obsequiously out by the media whenever they are topical for some reason or other, reminding us of...what, exactly? The fact that they were in the right place at the right time to make themselves as rich as Croesus? The fact that the establishment has embraced them cordially and that, having had their profiles raised in consequence, they've gratefully reciprocated? Despite the fact that some of the above may have made philanthropic donations that I haven't heard about (accompanied usually by little actual effort on their part, Sir Bob temporarily an honourable exception), they have taken a good deal out without putting much back apart from entertaining us (earning even more money in the process, of course).

Meanwhile, in the only big hospital in Cornwall (Treliske), dozens of junior doctors, nurses, orderlies, cleaners, porters and receptionists have worked themselves ragged for two desperate years, often with woefully inadequate protection, many getting sick with the virus, a few getting very sick or dying, having to risk their own families' safety and their own mental well-being...

In a fair and just honours list, who comes higher in your view, Sir Lewis Hamilton or one of those unsung nurses?