Over half a million sign petition to 'rescind' Tony Blair's knighthood

Over half a million people have signed a petition calling for Tony Blair’s knighthood to be rescinded.

The former Prime Minister became a Knight Companion of the Most Noble Order of the Garter, as part of the Queen’s New Year Honours List.

Blair was PM between 1997 and 2007, when he stepped down to be replaced by Gordon Brown, and the only Labour leader to win three back-to-back elections.

But the decision to bestow one of the most senior honours upon him after his role in the Allied military invasions of Iraq and Afghanistan has angered some with hundreds of thousands now demanding Boris Johnson petition the Queen to have the title removed.

A statement on the Change.org petition says: “Tony Blair caused irreparable damage to both the constitution of the United Kingdom and to the very fabric of the nation’s society.

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

“Tony Blair is the least deserving person of any public honour, particularly anything awarded by Her Majesty the Queen.”

The petition has been signed by 533,577 people as of Tuesday morning.

Each year, Royal Knights and Ladies of the Order of the Garter gather at St George’s Chapel in Windsor for a colourful procession and ceremony.

Crowds watch as they walk down the hill to the chapel from the state apartments, dressed in blue velvet mantles, red velvet hoods, black velvet hats and white ostrich plumes.

Blair, who left Downing Street more than 14 years ago, is one of three new appointments announced by the palace.