Strip Green of his knighthood
THERE were fresh calls for Sir Philip Green to be stripped of his knighthood as MPS demanded a chance to grill him over claims he abused staff.
The Topshop tycoon – shamed last year over the collapse of BHS – has paid millions to former employees under controversial non-disclosure agreements to silence them.
He last night refused to be drawn on claims he had threatened to sue alleged victims who broke NDAS, saying: “I’ve done enough of this, I’m bored with this rubbish, OK?”
Standards
Labour Party Chair Ian Lavery said: “If the allegations are true, Philip Green should be stripped of his knighthood. The public expect high standards and they’re not getting it.”
Labour MP Tonia Antoniazzi called for him to face her Women and Equalities Committee, saying: “Philip Green’s wealth and privilege mean he can use NDAS to silence people he has allegedly bullied. He should answer questions.”
Green allegedly intimidated employees and groped women. He was also claimed to have racially abused black staff. Three women and two men signed gagging clauses and got pay-offs. Details emerged after Green abandoned a High Court action against a newspaper.
Labour MP Jess Phillips slammed his use of NDAS as “morally bankrupt”, adding: “They are terrible allegations.”
And MP Frank Field said the new claims need scrutiny – just seven months after Parliament quizzed him over BHS.
He said: “Now we can see how he truly runs his business – it’s so uncivilised. He needs to explain his style of leadership. He should [face] a committee and we should turn our attention to gagging orders. What does Mr Green have to hide?”
Green has denied any “unlawful or racist behaviour”.