MPS BACK KEETCH'S CALL OVER MUGABE KNIGHTHOOD

12.18.46am BST (GMT +0100) Sat 3rd May 2008

Fifty MPs have now backed calls by Hereford MP Paul Keetch to strip Robert Mugabe of the honorary knighthood given him by Britain in 1994. Yesterday leads from the Zimbabwean electoral commission suggested that Mugabe came second in his country's Presidential Election, but he still clings on to power.

"I have visited Zimbabwe twice in the past few years and have seen how Robert Mugabe has destroyed this once flourishing nation," said Mr Keetch.

"Almost all the economic and civil rights problems that country faces can be laid at the feet of Robert Mugabe. His people have voted for him to go and he should leave power immediately. In the meantime the United Kingdom should strip him of the Honorary Knighthood bestowed on him in 1994 and I am please that now over 50 MP's of all Parties are supporting my call."