Strip ex-BHS boss of knighthood, says MP

MP JIM McMAHON

1 More Image(s) In Gallery

OLDHAM MP Jim McMahon has called for former BHS supremo Sir Philip Green to be stripped of his knighthood for his role in the collapse of the 88-year-old retail chain.

About 55 members of staff at Oldham's BHS branch are set to lose their job after the development in what is also a blow to Oldham's Spindles shopping centre, where a two-floor BHS branch opened four years ago. A number of MPs attacked Sir Philip in a House of Commons debate on Tuesday over the retail chain as it faces liquidation and the loss of 11,000 jobs after failing to find a buyer.

Speaking in the House of Commons of Tuesday, Mr McMahon ­- MP for Oldham West and Royton - said: "Sir Philip is not fit to lick the boots of these people let alone be a knight of the realm.

"It is not good enough that 11,000 people face redundancy and an uncertain pension while the millionaires cream tens of millions of pounds off the top to pay for brand-new yachts.

"The people in my constituency, where the store is likely to close, will not see justice in their view until somebody is in the dock, facing trial."

Sir Philip has been condemned after he sold the chain to investors led by a businessman who had been made bankrupt three times, Dominic Chappell, for just £1 in 2015.

Deficit

The chain was put into administration in April with a £571 million deficit in its pension fund.

Between 2000 and 2005, the Green family took £420 million in dividends from the company.

All of BHS's remaining 163 shops will now be closed over the coming weeks. Mr McMahon raised the question of Sir Philip's knighthood and asked Minister for Small Business Anna Soubry: "Will she support me in having that revoked?"

The Department for Work and Pensions has written to major retailers to ask them to consider what jobs they may have for axed BHS staff.

Mr Chappell was to be quizzed by MPs on a joint committee today and Sir Philip will appear before the same MPs next week.