Tony Blair, Covid-19 experts and Olympians recognized in UK New Year’s Honours List
Dr. Jenny Harries, chief executive of the UK Health Security Agency, and Dr. June Raine — head of Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency — have both made dames.In sport, the Olympic gold medalist “When I was a little boy, I felt like an outsider, and felt different, and I felt like I was never going to be anything, because who I was, wasn’t what society wanted me to be,” he said this summer.”And to be able to see out LGBT people performing at the Olympic Games, I hope (that) can give young kids hope and not feel so frightened and scared and alone, and to be able to see that no matter who you are, where you come from, you can become an Olympic champion, because I did,” he said.Daly’s diving partner and fellow gold medallist, Matty Lee, receives an MBE.The teenage tennis star Emma Raducanu, who Queen Elizabeth II praised as “outstanding” after her US Open victory in September is to be awarded an MBE. In total, 1,122 people made the New Year’s list.The Honors system, explainedAlthough knights and dames may be the most well-known commendations, there’s a hierarchy of ranks in the honours system, according to the UK government.At the highest level is the Companion of Honor, awarded to those who’ve made major contributions in the arts, science, medicine, or government over an extended period of time.Next, the distinction of being a knight or dame is conferred on those who’ve made long-term national contributions seen as inspirational or significant.The Commander of the Order of the British Empire, or CBE, is for those who’ve played a “prominent but lesser role at the national level, or a leading role at the regional level,” according to the UK government.The Officer of the Order of the British Empire, or OBE, is for those who’ve taken a major role in local activities, and through it come become known nationally in their chosen area.The Member of the Order of the British Empire, or MBE, is for outstanding achievement or service to one’s community.Finally, the British Empire Medal, or BEM, is for those who’ve done “hands-on” service for their local community, including voluntary activity or innovation work.
