Pinter and Jagger on jubilee honours list
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Harold Pinter, the eminent and iconoclastic playwright, is honoured in the Queen's golden jubilee birthday list published today.
The 71-year-old writer, who had surgery for cancer of the oesophagus in April, is appointed a Companion of Honour. He had previously turned down John Major's offer of a knighthood and has been scathingly critical of Tony Blair's Government over the Nato bombing of Serbia.
Some of the names in the list are surprising and controversial. Brian Cass, the managing director of Huntingdon Life Sciences, the pharmaceutical research firm that has been attacked by protesters for its testing on animals, is appointed CBE.
Also controversial is the knighthood for the entrepreneur Gulam Noon. The millionaire, who made his fortune from selling Indian food, has given more than £100,000 to the Labour Party. Downing Street strenuously attempted to defend the award. The Prime Minister's official spokesman insisted the donation had not been a factor and described Mr Noon as a "very fine industrialist and philanthropist".
Mick Jagger, who has fronted the Rolling Stones since the early 1960s and who is still performing at the age of 58, is knighted. The rock 'n' roll singer and songwriter, who recently mused on television that he had never received royal recognition, announced he was "delighted" at the news.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments