Keir Starmer refuses to step in over Rory McIlroy knighthood decision despite Masters triumph
Sir Keir Starmer has refused to step in over Rory McIlroy being passed over for a knighthood, despite the Northern Irish golfer securing consecutive Masters titles.McIlroy was overlooked in the New Year Honours after an intervention by tax officials.The 2024 BBC Sports Personality of the Year represented the most conspicuous absence from the honours, having achieved what no European golfer had managed before when he completed the career grand slam by winning all four major championships.On Monday, it remained unclear whether the issues that led to his exclusion had been addressed, with McIlroy's representative offering no response to enquiries, while HMRC and the Cabinet Office refused to comment.TRENDINGStoriesVideosYour SayThe Prime Minister's official spokesman made clear that decisions on honours rest with independent expert committees rather than the Government.When questioned about whether McIlroy might receive a knighthood if any tax matters remained outstanding, he told The Telegraph: "We never comment on honours, and that is a question for the committee not for me."The spokesman acknowledged he was unaware whether Sir Keir had watched McIlroy become just the fourth player in history to claim back-to-back Masters victories and only the second European after Sir Nick Faldo to amass six major titles in the modern era.He added: "But, clearly, it's a fantastic result for Rory McIlroy, tremendous achievement and a huge, huge achievement to have done it in successive years."McIlroy, who received an MBE following his maiden major triumph in 2011, became the first Sports Personality of the Year recipient in nearly 10 years to be overlooked for an honour in the same calendar year.The precise nature of McIlroy's honours dispute remains unclear, although in 2015, HMRC investigated whether he and others had avoided tax through the Business Premises Renovation Allowance program.There is no suggestion of any illegal activity, and nothing indicates McIlroy ever intentionally evaded his tax responsibilities.The Northern Ireland Executive at Stormont nominated McIlroy for a knighthood last year.LATEST SPORT NEWSRory McIlroy atones for Erica Stoll mistake after securing second Masters victoryGolf fans rage at coverage of Rory McIlroy's Masters triumph as errors spark backlashRory McIlroy expected to disappoint Donald Trump after brilliant Masters winThe nomination came after a campaign for his recognition, spearheaded by then Ulster Unionist Party leader Mike Nesbitt, who declared: "For a country the size of Northern Ireland, it is remarkable how many sportspeople have become icons in their fields. "Think George Best, Mike Gibson, and Mary Peters, to name just three."Nesbitt added: "Rory McIlroy has just trumped all of them, and with the grand slam monkey off his back, looks set for even more success. "This universally popular figure deserves the highest praise the nation can bestow, and a knighthood is just that."Speaking to Sky Sports in November, McIlroy spoke about what receiving the honour would mean.He said: "If that were ever to happen it would be an unbelievably massive honour.""Thats obviously up to people a lot more powerful and important than me."But, I mean, if it were to happen one day, it would be a very proud moment in my life."Our Standards: The GB News Editorial Charter
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