The publication of the traditional list of royal New Year distinctions sparked controversy in the UK on Saturday over the selection of certain recipients, whose addresses were also published online in error.
The personal and professional addresses of honored people, including pop star Elton John, the star player of the English cricket team, Ben Stokes, as well as political figures and police officers, were published on Friday evening on a British government website, who must have apologized for this blunder.
“This information has been removed as soon as possible,” a government spokesman said on Saturday. “We apologize to everyone affected and are investigating what happened,” he added.
The publication of this list had already caused a stir, because of the choice to honor some controversial people like Alison Saunders, former head of criminal prosecution in the United Kingdom.
“Presumed guilty”
Alison Saunders, was made a “lady” by Queen Elizabeth II although she left this post last year, very criticized.
While directing the services of the Chief Crown Prosecution, the British public prosecutor’s office, a series of people had been prosecuted for sexual offenses, which were eventually dropped due to lack of evidence.
Criminal lawyer Daniel Janner, son of Lord Janner, who was accused of sexual assaults against minors and died in 2015, said he was “dismayed” to receive an honor.
“She completely ruined my innocent father’s life with these ridiculous accusations,” he told the PA news agency, accusing him of having “presumed guilty” of the people targeted in these cases.
“Alison Saunders’ dangerous crusades have ruined the lives of completely innocent people,” Samuel Armstrong, former adviser to a conservative MP, cleared of rape charges, told The Daily Telegraph on Saturday.
“Dame Alison” defended the honor received, telling The Times that it rewarded “thirty years of public service”. The British daily reported that she was the only director of public prosecutions in more than 25 years who had not received an honor immediately after leaving her post.
“Dangerous Crusades”
Another honor, given to former Conservative Party leader and staunch Brexit supporter Iain Duncan Smith, sparked an ire from opposition parties because he devised a system of welfare reform criticized for its cost and waiting times for beneficiaries.
In total, the Queen awarded 1,097 people for the New Year, including Australian actress and singer Olivia Newton-John and British directors Sam Mendes and Steve McQueen.
A second list of distinctions is announced each year on the occasion of its anniversary, on April 21. (Afp / nxp)
Created: 28.12.2019, 22h56
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