Letter regarding Kenny’s knighthood

Submitted by Nicky Doran

A typed copy of a letter I received in the post this morning From Chester MP Stephen Mosley over the Early Day Motion to knight Kenny Dalglish.

Dear Mr Doran

Thank you for your recent email regarding Early Day Motion (EMD) 1733 and the proposition to knight Kenny Dalglish, both for his services to British Football and for his continued support for the families of those tragically killed during the Hillsborough Disaster on 15th April 1989.

I would firstly like to commend the work that Mr Dalglish has done to support those affected by the events that occurred in Sheffield twenty two years ago.  I know that he is held in extremely high regard for the dignity he displayed throughout this horrific incident. The appreciation shown by friends and family of those lost at Hillsborough speaks volumes for his character.

On the issue of national honours, Knighthoods are officially awarded for a pre-eminent contribution in any field of activity, though:

•        Achievement or service to the community usually, but not exclusively, at national level, or
•       In a capacity which will be recognised by peer groups  as inspirational and significant nationally, and
•       Which demonstrates sustained commitment

Whilst there can be no doubting Mr Dalglish meets each of these criteria and I personally would thoroughly support him being honoured, an Early Day Motion is however not the correct procedural protocol to nominate an individual for national honours. Nominations should be made through an application to the Cabinet Office, information of which can be found online at www.cabinetoffice.gov.uk/ .

Additionally I do make a general rule of not signing Early Day Motions, simply because, as in this case, they have no legislative or procedural effect costing over £1 million annually in printing and publication costs alone. I do not feel they represent a good use of public money and choose only to sign them in very rare instances when they are the only procedural protocol available for influencing legislation.

I hope that this explains my position on the matter, and my reasons for not adding my name to the EDM. I am nonetheless grateful for you having taken time to contact me about this issue and if I can be of any further assistance, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Yours sincerely

Stephen Mosley MP