Bravp Bravo Mr Agent Provocateur
Lingerie Boss Corre Rejects MBE Offer
Updated: 16:14, Wednesday June 20, 2007
Joseph Corre, co-founder of lingerie brand Agent Provocateur, has rejected his MBE because he said he finds Prime Minister Tony Blair "morally corrupt".
Mr Corre was awarded the title for his services to the fashion industry in the Queen's Birthday Honours list.
But he knocked back the MBE today, saying he could not accept the Prime Minister as "someone capable of giving an honour" and accused him of "organised lying".
Mr Carre said he had orginally intended to accept the honour.
But after having time to reflect, he decided the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq ordered by Mr Blair meant he had no option but to reject the offer.
He said in a statement: "Initially I was very flattered to have my work with Agent Provocateur recognised by the establishment.
"It even gave me a kick to imagine what some of the Bureaucrats and Censors I have had to fight up to now must think.
However, after some serious reflection I have decided that I cannot accept it.
"I have been chosen by an organisation headed by a Prime Minister, who I find morally corrupt, who has been involved in organised lying, to the point where thousands of people including children! have suffered death, detention and torture in Afghanistan and Iraq.
"Furthermore, against this backdrop we are to have our hard fought civil liberties eroded as a consequence (don't forget Jean Charles De Menezes or our rights to habeas corpus).
"To accept this MBE as an honour would mean to me that I would have to accept the Prime Minister as someone capable of giving an honour i.e. an honourable man, which I cannot find it in my heart to do."
Mr Corre stressed he meant no offence to the Queen by rejecting the MBE.
"This in no way reflects on my opinion of the Queen whom I respect and would be honoured to have as a customer. In fact I think she would agree with me.
"This has been a personal decision because the MBE is a personal award.
"However, the team at Agent Provocateur should all stand proud for what they have accomplished this far and they don't need a medal to prove it. Knickers Forever!"
Updated: 16:14, Wednesday June 20, 2007
Joseph Corre, co-founder of lingerie brand Agent Provocateur, has rejected his MBE because he said he finds Prime Minister Tony Blair "morally corrupt".
Mr Corre was awarded the title for his services to the fashion industry in the Queen's Birthday Honours list.
But he knocked back the MBE today, saying he could not accept the Prime Minister as "someone capable of giving an honour" and accused him of "organised lying".
Mr Carre said he had orginally intended to accept the honour.
But after having time to reflect, he decided the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq ordered by Mr Blair meant he had no option but to reject the offer.
He said in a statement: "Initially I was very flattered to have my work with Agent Provocateur recognised by the establishment.
"It even gave me a kick to imagine what some of the Bureaucrats and Censors I have had to fight up to now must think.
However, after some serious reflection I have decided that I cannot accept it.
"I have been chosen by an organisation headed by a Prime Minister, who I find morally corrupt, who has been involved in organised lying, to the point where thousands of people including children! have suffered death, detention and torture in Afghanistan and Iraq.
"Furthermore, against this backdrop we are to have our hard fought civil liberties eroded as a consequence (don't forget Jean Charles De Menezes or our rights to habeas corpus).
"To accept this MBE as an honour would mean to me that I would have to accept the Prime Minister as someone capable of giving an honour i.e. an honourable man, which I cannot find it in my heart to do."
Mr Corre stressed he meant no offence to the Queen by rejecting the MBE.
"This in no way reflects on my opinion of the Queen whom I respect and would be honoured to have as a customer. In fact I think she would agree with me.
"This has been a personal decision because the MBE is a personal award.
"However, the team at Agent Provocateur should all stand proud for what they have accomplished this far and they don't need a medal to prove it. Knickers Forever!"