Ephraim Hardcastle
If the killing of Jo Cox had occurred in france there would have been a rush to award her a Legion d’honneur. the British honours system has no mechanism for honouring an MP who gave her life in the active service of her constituents. In 2009, the elizabeth Cross was instituted to honour the memory of Armed forces personnel. there is no civilian equivalent but it would be quite simple to amend the Royal Warrant to create one. At least then, in years to come, Jo Cox’s children would have something tangible to know the nation honoured their mother.
CURRENTLY all over the BBC anchoring its referendum coverage, David Dimbleby, 77, claims he’ll make way for Huw Edwards, 54, when it comes to the general election. ‘They’ve already announced Huw’s doing the general election,’ says Dimbleby, adding: ‘I wouldn’t say no to a fresh offer.’ Should Huw be wary? He was assured he’d be top dog for the 2015 election, only for director-general Tony Hall to overturn the decision and reinstate Dimbleby.
the ‘resignation’ of Baroness Warsi, 45, pictured, from the Leave campaign meets with mockery, with critics noting few realised she was involved in the first place. fruity talk Radio broadcaster Julia hartley-Brewer mockingly declares: ‘Baroness Warsi announces she will no longer be competing for team GB in the 100 metre sprint at the Rio Olympics.’ Another wag adds: ‘Baroness Warsi decides to quit the Spice Girls.’
CAN the Remain campaign survive the endorsement of Jeffrey Archer? The former Tory deputy chairman yesterday announced he was ‘reluctantly’ voting to stay in the EU. The old rogue adds: ‘I only wish Margaret Thatcher was still alive and kicking, because I would have undoubtedly been influenced by her views.’ Archer, 75, has been persona non grata in the Conservative ranks since being jailed for perjury in 2001. David Cameron blocked him from rejoining the House of Lords’ Tory benches in 2005.
SIR Clement freud’s knighthood caused resentment from his Just A Minute radio co-star Kenneth Williams. Writing in his diaries in 1988, Williams noted: ‘Producer said, “I think we should mention Clement freud has been made a knight,” and I said, “I don’t see why a game show should plug his honour.”’ Adding: ‘But it was done.’ the Carry On star had turned down a more modest OBe, remarking: ‘When offered something which obviously isn’t worth the price... we still have the right to say, “No thanks.” ’
MEANWHILE, it is striking how Freud’s family has reacted. Families usually protest the innocence of the accused, but widow Jill has apologised to the women her husband allegedly assaulted, and nothing has been heard from their children, even though two of them – PR man Matthew and writer Emma – have powerful voices in the media. Perhaps being even-handed about relatives is a Freud trait. Sir Clement was fond of displaying a fine gold watch on a chain, replying to those who asked about it: ‘It belonged to my grandfather [Sigmund Freud]. He sold it to me on his deathbed.’