A notice was published in the London Gazette on Thursday, March 5, sharing details of the individuals who had their MBEs and OBEs taken away.

Most of the honours were stripped due to a criminal conviction or for “bringing the honours system into disrepute”.

The notice regarding the list of people who have had their honours taken away can be found in The London Gazette.

Nine people have had their OBEs and MBEs stripped in 2026 (Image: Andrew Matthews/PA Wire)

King Charles and government praised for “vital” action in stripping honours

The only way to lose an honour like an OBE or an MBE is through a process known as ‘forfeiture’.

This is decided by the Honours Forfeiture Committee, with the monarch approving decisions based on their advice.

The group is made up of a small number of senior civil servants and independent members who look at someone with an honour who has either been convicted of a serious crime or is judged to have brought the system into disrepute.

Discussing the decision to strip people of their honours, Tracy Lamourie of Lamourie Media, said that the process was important to protect the reputation of the government and the monarchy.

She said: It’s actually vital that they do take actions like this because institutions, everything from businesses to the royal family to governments, are under constant scrutiny these days, and people are demanding accountability.

“It’s not ok to sweep things under the rug in 2026.

“If these honour systems are going to continue to exist, they absolutely have to maintain the public’s trust and credibility, or they’re worth less than the cost to manufacture and announce them.”

Michael Ryan, Founder and CEO at Ink Digital, shared similar thoughts on it needing to protect the integrity of the honours system.

He said: “Awards like these are symbolic recognition of service and contribution, so when recipients later become associated with serious misconduct or reputational damage, leaving the honour in place can create a perception problem for the wider system.

“In situations like this, the response is often as much about reputation management as it is about the individuals involved.

“Institutions such as the monarchy operate within a very visible public narrative, and public honours are part of how that narrative is communicated.

“When honours are revoked, it sends a signal that the recognition is tied not just to past achievement but also to ongoing conduct and public trust.”

On the other hand, royal insiders quoted by Radar Online have questioned whether the honours system can retain its value.

A source familiar with the honours system shared: “When you see this many titles being cancelled in such a short time, it inevitably leads some people to ask whether the whole system begins to look a bit meaningless.”

However, not everyone agreed, as another royal source said: “The King has shown he is willing to strip titles when he believes standards have been breached.

“We saw it when Andrew Windsor lost his royal titles and patronages, and now we are seeing the same strict attitude applied to the honours system.”

Full list of people to have their MBEs and OBEs stripped in 2026

• Ian Ashbold, received MBE in 2016, stripped due to a criminal conviction
• Lloyd Hamilton, received MBE in 2011, stripped due to a criminal conviction
• Angela Middleton, received MBE in 2019, stripped due to bringing the honours system into disrepute
• Nigel O’Connor, received MBE in 2015, stripped due to professional censure
• Tony Reilly, received OBE in 2011, stripped due to professional censure
• Paul Rose, received MBE in 2002, stripped due to a criminal conviction
• Anant Shah, received OBE in 2020, stripped due to bringing the honours system into disrepute
• Graham Trewhella, received MBE in 2010, stripped due to a criminal conviction
• Stuart Hogg, received MBE in 2024, stripped due to a criminal conviction

What are OBEs and MBEs?

OBE stands for Officer of the Order of the British Empire.

This is awarded for having a major local role in any activity, including people whose work has made them known nationally in their chosen area.

MBE stands for Member of the Order of the British Empire.

This is awarded for an outstanding achievement or service to the community.

A new interactive map has revealed the areas that will benefit from a new government-funded programme to improve internet speeds

More than a million British homes are due a free internet upgrade from the government – a new interactive map have revealed which areas are eligible.

The Project Gigabit is the government’s new programme to help hard-to-reach communities access lightning-fast gigabit-capable broadband. This initiative is meant to target properties and businesses in parts of the country that are not included in internet suppliers’ plans.

The government announced that it expects 99% of homes and businesses will have gigabit-capable internet by 2032. The Project Gigabit was introduced in 2021 but the rate of upgrades to better connections is now at its fastest rate.

READ MORE: Millions of mobile and broadband users could save £633 before April price risesREAD MORE: BT, Sky and Virgin Media broadband deals from £12.50 for certain families

Ministers revealed more than 750 premises are being reached a day during the current phase of the nationwide project. A map below shows the towns and areas where these upgrades are being rolled out.

The Project Gigabit will benefit places across the whole of the UK, but the map below has shown the areas in England and Wales that are part of the massive upgrade project.

Openreach, through a deal worth up to £1.2billion, is working with the government to bring full fibre to over 297,000 homes and businesses across rural parts of the nation. More than 30 other contracts have been signed with other companies as part of Project Gigabit.

There is also a Gigabit Broadband Voucher Scheme as part of the greater project, which gives eligible homes vouchers worth up to £4,500 to help towards the cost of installing gigabit-capable broadband to their premises.

This voucher scheme is currently only open for new projects “to cover premises which are not included within a Project Gigabit procurement or contract and which are not covered by existing or planned commercial coverage”, according to the government website.

Telecoms minister Liz Lloyd said: “Many rural communities have long struggled to do even the basics online due to slow internet speeds. Now, hundreds of households and companies are receiving government-funded upgrades every day – helping those who would otherwise miss out.”

The vehicle was left on its roof after the crash in Penny Pot Lane, Harrogate, shortly after 1.15pm on Monday (March 16).

North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service said the car’s occupant was left with paramedics after being freed from the vehicle.

A service spokesperson said: “Crews from Harrogate responded to a single vehicle road traffic collision, involving a car that had rolled on its roof into a ditch.

“Crews rescued one occupant using cutting gear and small tools to remove the door and boot of the vehicle.”

ITV Gone viewers think Michael is hiding a ‘big secret’

ITV Gone viewers are convinced Michael Polly is hiding a “big secret” as they claim he isn’t Sarah Polly’s killer.

Viewers will know that music teacher Sarah disappeared and was later found murdered in the woods by her house. An unknown person strangled her to death before dumping her dead body and making a run for it.

Detective Annie Cassidy has been investigating the mysterious death and in a chilling twist her main suspect is Sarah’s husband, Headmaster Michael.

During tonight’s (March 16) episode of the six-parter, Annie and her colleagues begin to see things in a new light as fresh information continues to emerge.

There’s no denying that Michael’s behaviour has been odd since the disappearance of his wife so it comes as no surprise that he came under scrutiny.

He was not the only one as Sarah’s lover Stephen Sedgwick was also questioned about their whereabouts around the time Sarah disappeared.

Michael insisted that he had no part to play in his death but the police were not fully convinced as Michael did have motive if he knew his wife was having an affair.

Unfortunately the police didn’t have enough evidence, so they had no choice but to release him. Annie wasn’t ready to back down so she decided to interview Michael at his home and record him without his knowledge.

She was quick to notice that his daughter Alana was nowhere to be seen but he insisted that she was staying with her grandparents because she wanted to look after them during this heartbreaking time.

However he was unable to keep up with his lies as he later cracked and claimed that Alana went to her grandparents to get away from him and said he was to blame for the affair.

Throughout his chats with Annie, it was clear that his story wasn’t adding up and viewers watching at home were quick to spot Michael’s odd behaviour.

Many insisted that he is “covering for someone” and the real killer might be his daughter. One fan took to X and wrote: “Michael didn’t kill his wife he’s covering for someone @davemorrissey64.”

Another questioned: “Is he protecting someone? #Gone.” A third commented: “Michael didn’t do it ,so who did , the daughter #gone.”

Meanwhile one praised: “Wow, what an episode the 2 leads are incredible. The tension. Eve Myles and David Morrisey what chemistry.”

You can stream Gone on ITVX

For the latest showbiz, TV, movie and streaming news, go to the new ** Everything Gossip ** website.

Moises Caicedo believes Chelsea already have ‘one of the best players in the world’ in ‘underrated’ striker Joao Pedro.

Brazil international Pedro has enjoyed an impressive first season at Stamford Bridge, scoring 18 goals in 41 appearances.

Chelsea signed the 24-year-old last summer in a £60m deal from Brighton and have been pleased with his development.

Pedro was expected to battle with Liam Delap for a place in the Chelsea team but quickly established himself as the first-choice striker at Stamford Bridge.

Caicedo is rightly regarded as one of the best midfielders on the planet but the Ecuador international insists he is by no means the only world-class star in west London.

Chelsea’s former record signing claims Pedro is not only one of the best players in the Premier League but in the world and says he has ‘everything’.

Asked to name his ‘most underrated’ teammate at Stamford Bridge, Caicedo told Sky Sports: ‘Joao Pedro. People don’t know how good he is.

‘For me he’s one of the best players, not just in the Premier League but in the world. His movement, the way he plays, how he scores goals – for me, as a striker he has everything.’

Caicedo also heaped praise on another Chelsea star, Andrey Santos, claiming the Brazilian is often one of the best players in training.

Santos has made 35 appearances for Chelsea this season and featured heavily since his former Strasbourg manager Liam Rosenior took over in January.

‘There are a lot but Andrey Santos,’ Caicedo said when asked which player often impresses in training.

‘He’s so good every day in training and now he’s doing really well in games too so I’m so happy for him.’

Chelsea, who lost to Newcastle United last time out, will try to overturn a three-goal deficit when PSG visit Stamford Bridge for the second leg of their last-16 tie on Tuesday night.

‘I think this week was difficult for us,’ Pedro said ahead of the visit of Champions League holders PSG.

‘We know our strengths, we still believe because we showed in the Club World Cup when we won 3-0. The group believe, the manager believes, the fans should believe as well.’

Chelsea boss Rosenior added: ‘If you look at the game in isolation and the scoreline, we were punished by very good players for our own mistakes.

‘We have been undone in games by those moments. We can’t make mistakes tomorrow.

‘We have to remember PSG are European champions for a reason but we know we can compete.’

For more stories like this, check our sport page.

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It has reopened following months of refurbishment

The Northern Quarter at Belfast International Airport has reopened following months of refurbishment work.

It closed its doors, and a temporary bar was set up in January to serve the area, making way for the new and improved restaurant and bar.

The new and improved part of the airport comes with a new menu. You can pick up traditional breakfast items as well as burgers, sharing plates and light bites.

It will come with a fully serviced bar, and customers can pick up pints on draught, wine and spirits. It also provides non-alcoholic alternatives like 0.0% Guinness and Heineken.

As well as the new restaurant and bar, visitors to the airport will be able to pick a coffee from the new Bewleys coffee area within the Northern Quarter.

This comes alongside the wider refurbishment work that has been taking place in Belfast International Airport.

For all the latest news, visit the Belfast Live homepage here and sign up to our daily newsletter here.

He set fire to Christmas decorations in the foyer of the hostel

A day after being released from prison, a Cambridge man set fire to a youth hostel foyer, sending him back to jail. The convict had threatened to smash the door down and petrol bomb the centre when he was refused entry.

Nigel Hensby, 27, was released from prison after possessing a knife and a public order offence. After serving time for those offenses, he set fire to Christmas decorations in the foyer of a youth hostel. Hensby threatened the staff member after being denied entry in the building to get a mobile phone from a former partner.

In a ‘fit of rage’ Hensby went to the Cambridge Youth Foyer, in Rustat Close, on December 5 last year. He demanded to see his former partner to get a mobile phone back, but he was refused entry by a member of staff.

Hensby threatened to smash the door down and petrol bomb the building and the staff member hid in an office and called the police. When she checked the reception area, Hensby had set fire to some Christmas decorations with a lighter and run off.

Police say that no one was hurt in the fire, but lives were put at risk. Hensby was arrested in Station Road, Cambridge, at about 9.40pm, shortly after the incident, and admitted to the officer he had started the fire.

On Tuesday (March 10), at Peterborough Crown Court, Hensby, of Drayton Road, Norwich, was jailed for two years. At an earlier hearing, he also pleaded guilty to arson with recklessness as to whether life was endangered.

DC Becky Bertozzi-Wilson, who investigated, said: “Hensby deliberately set fire to a foyer in a building with vulnerable people inside, putting their lives and staff members lives at risk, simply because staff would rightly, not allow him access. The consequences of his actions could have been fatal.”

It started in Weymouth on Friday, March 13, and will see the DJ travel all the way to Edinburgh in a 1,000km journey.

He will be passing through County Durham on Wednesday, March 18, if all goes to plan.

Track where Greg James is on his journey here:

Speaking ahead of the challenge, he said: “Yes, I am mad, and I do think it will be a ludicrous challenge, and one that I don’t know whether or not I can do.

“But I’m going to try it.

“A little bit of pain is worth the overall goal of raising loads of money for Comic Relief.”

This is Mr James’ third challenge for Comic Relief, despite previously vowing not to take on another.

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He completed five triathlons in five days in 2016, and in 2018, cycled between and climbed the UK’s three highest peaks: Scafell Pike, Snowdon, and Ben Nevis.

Throughout the journey, Mr James will be joined by special guests, listeners, and fellow presenters.

He said: “I need them to be good cyclists.

“The reality of it might be that they wobble and we both fall off.”

Available for over a year

Today, President Trump has reiterated his requests for support from Nato allies in securing the Strait of Hormuz – days after saying we don’t need” UK aircraft carriers in the Middle East.

For now, the PM and other European allies are holding off – with Sir Keir Starmer saying the UK doesn’t want to get drawn into the wider US-Israeli war with Iran.

James and Chris are joined by Panorama film maker Jane Corbin to discuss the ongoing disagreement between the two sides of the Atlantic.

Plus, The Economist’s defence editor Shashank Joshi joins James to explain why Trump has requested European support in the Gulf, and whether it would actually make a difference.

You can now listen to Newscast on a smart speaker. If you want to listen, just say “Ask BBC Sounds to play Newscast”. It works on most smart speakers.

You can join our Newscast online community here: https://bbc.in/newscastdiscord

Get in touch with Newscast by emailing newscast@bbc.co.uk or send us a WhatsApp on +44 0330 123 9480.

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Newscast brings you daily analysis of the latest political news stories from the BBC. The presenters was James Cook. It was made by Anna Harris with Shiler Mahmoudi and Harry Craig. The social producer was Gabriel Purcell Davis. The technical producers were Philip Bull and Rohan Madison. The assistant editor is Chris Gray. The senior news editor is Sam Bonham.

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If you’re already planning those days off in the Easter break this might give you some inspiration

Easter isn’t too far away and you might be thinking you need to sort out a few activity days in advance so you know you’re not sitting at home doing nothing for two weeks during the school holidays.

Luckily south Wales has a number of things happening around the capital including a musical outing, castle trip filled with Easter activities, and a cooking workshop.

There’s something for everyone so we’ve pulled together some of the best options you can still book. From superstar gigs to cosy pubs, find out What’s On in Wales by signing up to our newsletter here.

1. Easterland at Fonmon Castle

At £10 a ticket there’s a lot packed into this Easter fun day at the Vale of Glamorgan castle.

There’s an Easter egg stamp trail, Alice in Wonderland themed area, a golden egg hunt, and Easter crafts. You can also explore the castle and the dinosaur trail too.

Find out more here.

When: March 28-April 6

2. Flowers And Friendship Bracelets, New Theatre

Dubbed as ‘the ultimate pop concert’ to celebrate the biggest hits from pop stars like Taylor Swift, Sabrina Carpenter, Chappell Roan and more it’s definitely one for your potential pop queens.

Tickets are a little on the pricier side at £30 and you can get them here.

When: April 7

3. Girl-Coded, Wales Millennium Centre

One for the teenagers this Easter as the play explores themes of consent, identity, and the complex ways young women navigate relationships and intimacy throughout adolescence. It follows three childhood best friends, Lauren, Ange, and Cas, who reunite on August 13, 2024, exactly five years after their friendship fell apart at the hands of jealousy during Ange’s results day party.

Girl-coded is suitable for 14-plus and it’s a pay what you can event. Click here to get those tickets.

When: April 9-11

4. Cook Stars Easter workshop, Cyncoed

If your child is keen on helping out in the kitchen this could be just the Easter activity for them. Children will be baking some delicious Easter treats and making and decorating Easter baskets. Classes are £25 and ages from two to 11 can attend. Click here for more on Cook Stars and to book the event.

When: March 28

5. Easter Eggstravaganza, Rhondda Heritage Park

Ticket price includes an egg hunt with chocolate treat at the end, a chance to explore the Easter Bunny’s underground burrow, small children’s rides, Easter craft, balloon modelling, a petting farm, and a teddy bears’ picnic. Click here for tickets and more information.

When: April 1-2

6. Easter at The Meadows, Caerphilly

The Easter experience at The Meadows will cost £13.50 for kids aged thee and up and tickets include park entry, Easter trail, chocolate prize, Easter craft activities, and rabbit and guinea pig petting sessions. The farm itself has an exotic barn, reptile house, and a wallaby walk-through. Buy tickets here.

When: March 28-April 66

7. Easter fun with dragon trails at Caerphilly Castle

The Easter bank holiday weekend will see eight days of dragon-egg-themed trails, face painters, crafts and storytellers. Advice is to book your ticket for the castle in advance.

When: April 3-6