May’s concern as MPs urge: Strip him of CBE

THERESA May is said to be ‘concerned’ by the allegations surrounding Harvey Weinstein amid calls by MPs for him to be stripped of his CBE.

The Hollywood mogul was handed the honour by the Queen in 2004 for his contribution to the British film industry.

But there is disquiet about the award after allegations the American film producer, 65, pestered actresses and film production staff for decades.

Asked yesterday whether Weinstein should be stripped of the honorary title, the Prime Minister’s official spokesman said: ‘Theresa May is concerned by the allegations that have been put.’ Any decision would have to be considered by the Cabinet Office’s honours forfeiture committee, said the spokesman. ‘Each case is considered on its merits,’ he added.

Last night MPs from across the political divide called for Weinstein to be stripped of his CBE. Former Labour deputy leader Harriet Harman said he had abused his position to prey on women.

‘These allegations cast a shadow over all the other people who proudly have CBE after their name,’ she said. ‘Someone like him who is in a position of power should not prey on women who just want to get a job in the film industry.’ Tory MP Maria Miller, chairman of the Commons women and equalities select committee, said the honour did not ‘sit comfortably’ alongside the sleaze allegations.

Stella Creasy, the Labour MP for Walthamstow, added: ‘I don’t think those who abuse their power should be acknowledged as role models.’

Weinstein, who founded Miramax and The Weinstein Company, had invested more than £600million in British productions when he was awarded his CBE.

He backed hits such as The Crying Game in 1992 and 199 ’s Shakespeare In Love. His films won awards for some of the biggest British names in the industry, including actresses Dame Judi Dench and Catherine Zeta-Jones, screenwriter Sir Tom Stoppard and director Anthony Minghella.

Honours can be forfeited if a recipient is considered to have brought the system into disrepute. The final decision must be approved by the Queen. Honours have been stripped from high-profile figures in recent years including former RBS boss Fred Goodwin, Zimbabwean dictator Robert Mugabe and Rolf Harris.

Jimmy Savile could not be posthumously stripped of his knighthood as honours cease to exist on the recipient’s death.