Former ministers receive honours

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-28459471

Version 0 of 1.

Three former ministers have been given knighthoods, while veteran Ken Clarke has been made a Companion of Honour.

Alan Duncan, who quit as International Development Minister, Hugh Robertson, who resigned from the Foreign Office, and Oliver Heald, who was sacked as Solicitor General, are to be knighted.

Labour MP Michael Dugher accused the PM of undermining the system by using "hush-hush honours and gongs as golden goodbyes".

But David Cameron defended his choices.

"I make no apology for saying that I think in public life we should recognise public service, people who have worked hard, people who have contributed to our nation, contributed to our government. I think that is a good thing to do," he has said.

Founded by George V in 1917, the Order of the Companions of Honour rewards recognised services of national importance.

The Order is made up of the sovereign plus no more than 65 others, who are entitled to use the letters CH after their names.