Lingerie company chief rejects MBE

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Joseph Corre was awarded the title for his services to the fashion industry in the Queen's Birthday Honours list.

But he knocked back the MBE on Wednesday, saying he could not accept the Prime Minister as "someone capable of giving an honour".

Mr Corre - the son of fashion designer Dame Vivienne Westwood - said he had initially been "flattered" to have his Agent Provocateur work recognised by the establishment.

"However after some serious reflection I have decided that I cannot accept it," Mr Corre, 39, said in a statement.

"I have been chosen by an organisation headed by a Prime Minister who I find morally corrupt. Who has been involved in organised lying, to the point where thousands of people including children! have suffered death, detention and torture in Afghanistan and Iraq."

Mr Corre's wife and Agent Provocateur co-founder Serena Rees is "delighted" with her own MBE and will not be rejecting it, a spokeswoman for the chain said.

The couple opened their first store in Soho in London in December 1994. The chain has since expanded to 30 shops worldwide.

"To accept this MBE as an honour would mean to me that I would have to accept the Prime Minister as someone capable of giving an honour i.e. an honourable man, which I cannot find it in my heart to do," Mr Corre's statement added.

"This in no way reflects on my opinion of the Queen whom I respect and would be honoured to have as a customer."