Prime Minister Seeks to Address Regional Imbalances in Honours Distribution

Rishi Sunak has expressed his intention to “level up” the UK’s honours system, ensuring that people from all regions are adequately recognised for their contributions. This comes as part of a broader initiative to address disparities in how honours are currently distributed across the country.

According to a new report, Deputy Prime Minister Oliver Dowden confirmed that Sunak had tasked the Cabinet Office with reforming the system to ensure it reflects the diversity of the UK. The move follows the release of data showing significant regional imbalances in recent honours lists. For example, in the 2023 New Year’s Honours List, 21% of recipients were from London, despite the capital representing only 13% of the UK population. By contrast, the East Midlands, with a 7.2% population share, only accounted for 2.3% of honourees.

The report highlights that certain regions, such as Northern Ireland and London, are overrepresented in the honours system compared to their population share. Sunak and Dowden are keen to rectify this, with the Deputy Prime Minister stating that the goal is to ensure every part of the UK is better represented in the system.

In addition to addressing regional diversity, Dowden noted that Sunak wants the honours system to recognise public servants who have contributed to improving value for money for taxpayers. This initiative aligns with the government’s broader commitment to serve the people of the UK by rewarding those who make meaningful, cost-effective contributions to society.