New call to remove ‘sex pest’ Green’s knighthood
SIR PHILIP Green was facing fresh calls last night for him to be stripped of his knighthood.
The shamed tycoon is said to be facing a police investigation following complaints from five former employees.
The Topshop billionaire is alleged to have groped a female executive and then bought her silence with more than £1million.
He is also accused of telling a senior black employee – who also received £1million – that he was still “throwing spears in the jungle”, making fun of his dreadlocks and saying he smoked cannabis.
Yesterday, it was claimed a report by the Arcadia Group owner left out crucial evidence from witnesses.
Sir Philip, 66, was accused of slapping a woman’s bottom but apparent evidence from two male executives was not included in Arcadia’s findings.
Alleged payouts ran to millions and the recipients gagged with “non-disclosure agreements (NDAs)”. Sir Philip categorically denies any unlawful or racist behaviour or gross misconduct.
The allegations emerged after he dropped an injunction against the Daily Telegraph, with estimated legal costs of £3million on Friday.
Sir Philip had sought a court injunction after he and an executive were contacted for comment in July.
He had accused the paper of “bullying and harassment” over its probe into gagging orders signed by ex-staff.
Disgraceful
Yesterday, Treasury Chief Secretary Liz Truss said NDA law needs changing to prevent their abuse.
She said: “It is disgraceful that he has been able to use non-disclosure agreements to effectively silence victims of sexual and racial abuse.
“We need to look seriously and get changes. It is completely wrong that people like Philip Green have been able to flout the law.”
Liberal Democrat leader Sir Vince Cable led calls for Sir Philip to be stripped of his knighthood and the Government to scrap the abuse of gagging orders.
He said: “The honours committee should take urgent action to restore the integrity of the honours system of which Philip Green’s knighthood currently makes a mockery.
“The Government needs to make good on its promise to scrap the abuse of NDAs.”
He had said Sir Philip only “narrowly” escaped losing his honour over the BHS pensions deficit.
Theresa May’s former policy adviser George Freeman MP said: “Honours are granted to people in good faith on the basis of what seems at the time a distinguished public record.
“If it transpires there was some fraud or misconduct or willful misleading of people or abuse of office, then yes [he should lose his honour].”
Labour chairman Ian Lavery said: “If allegations are true, Green should be stripped of his knighthood.” Mon-Thurs 8.30am-7pm, Fri till 5pm, Sat 9am-3pm