Should Fred Goodwin have been stripped of his knighthood? Yes or No. We would love to hear your thoughts.
He is the first person to be stripped since Robert Mugabe in 2008. Before him Ceausescu and before him Anthony Blunt. Reasons previously for losing a knighthood have been exceptional: treason, crime and brutal governance.
Does Fred the Shred fall into this category? I guess not. However, as a BBC economist clearly stated last night, he received it for his services to banking but actually provided a disservice to the industry so should not be entitled to the title. It’s a tricky slope to go down as Alistair Darling, who I rarely agree with, said. How many more peers will follow for actually doing a disservice to their trade. I can name a few. Maybe titles should be awarded for a term and reviewed rather than be for life….
Personally, I couldn’t care less about his peerage and I really doubt he does either. I would be happier to see him stripped off rather handsome pension pot.
Bunty