Honours List delayed to take into account virus fighters

THE Government has delayed publication of the Queen’s Birthday Honours List until the autumn in order to include more individuals who have played a key role in fighting Covid-19.

In a written statement to the Commons, the Prime Minister said that while the “current priority” remained tackling the virus, “the moment to mark so many extraordinary actions will not be lost”.

Boris Johnson added: “The honours system recognises exceptional contributions made across every part of the UK and will play a key role in demonstrating the nation’s gratitude to all those involved in the response.

“In this context, the Queen has graciously agreed that the Birthday Honours List, due to be published in June, should be postponed until the autumn.

“This step will allow us to ensure that the list, agreed before this public health emergency developed, reflects the Covid-19 effort, and comes at a time when we can properly celebrate the achievements of all those included.”

Captain Tom Moore’s knighthood was yesterday confirmed by Mr Johnson. The 100-year-old raised £33million for the NHS – a Guinness World Record – by walking 100 laps of his Bedfordshire garden.

The Second World War veteran, who has also been made an honorary colonel, said he was looking forward to being knighted by the Queen. But he joked: “I hope she’s not very heavyhanded with the sword as by then I might be rather a poor old weak soul.”

He told the BBC: “There’s a future for everyone and there’s room for expansion in kindness throughout, everybody has some kindness somewhere.

“Please expand your kindness to everyone that you possibly can and, as you’re going out, give everybody a little smile and see if they smile back.”