An online Change.org petition to revoke the knighthood recently awarded to Tony Blair has reached over one million signatures (1,076, 968 at 4pm London time today) in just six days.

The former British Prime Minister was made a Knight Companion of the Most Noble Order of the Garter, the oldest and most senior British order of chivalry, in the new year honours list. But this honour provoked controversy.

The initiator of the petition, Angus Scott, wrote on Change.org that “Tony Blair caused irreparable damage to both the constitution of the United Kingdom and to the very fabric of the nation’s society.”

He further argued that the former PM “caused irreparable damage to the constitution of UK’ with Iraq war”.

“He was personally responsible for causing the death of countless innocent, civilian lives and servicemen in various conflicts. For this alone he should be held accountable for war crimes” – Scott wrote. 

This opinion is not shared by the leader of the Labour Party, Keir Starmer, who defended his predecessor’s record and said the honour was deserved, emphasising Tony Blair’s achievements including bringing in the national minimum wage, setting up Sure Start centres for families as well as his efforts over the Northern Ireland peace process.

“I understand there are strong views on the Iraq war. There were back then and there still are, but that does not detract from the fact that Tony Blair was a very successful prime minister of this country and made a huge difference to the lives of millions of people in this country.” – Starmer explained. 

If they pass 100,000 signatories, petitions on the official parliament’s website are considered for debate by MPs. However, petitions on Change.org like the above-mentioned have only a moral force.

Cover photo: British Poles

Author: Sébastien Meuwissen