Keir Starmer backs Tony Blair’s knighthood after a petition to strip it surpasses 500,000 signatures

A statement on the website reads: “Tony Blair caused irreparable damage to both the constitution of the United Kingdom and to the very fabric of the nation’s society.

“He was personally responsible for causing the death of countless innocent, civilian lives and servicemen in various conflicts. For this alone he should be held accountable for war crimes.

“We petition the Prime Minister to petition Her Majesty to have this honour removed.” Later Tuesday, Sir Keir will deliver a speech in Birmingham where he is expected to set out Labour's vision for the new year. He is also expected to say that the government's incompetence is becoming plain, but Labour must work to earn the public's trust. Recent opinion polls suggesting Labour has a modest lead over the Conservatives may have provided some cheer for Sir Keir, but critics say people still do not know what policies he stands for.