Former Worcester MP Mike Foster, has called the petition against former prime minister, Sir Tony Blair receiving a knighthood  a “total nonsense”.

The announcement that former prime minister Tony Blair was awarded a knighthood caused a large debate amongst the public.

A petition calling for the former prime minister’s honour to be rescinded has attracted more than 590,000 signatures.

The cause of this debate comes from Tony Blair’s involvement with the Iraq war, which many believe he should be held accountable for war crimes.

Worcester News: Former MP for Worcester, Mike Foster.Former MP for Worcester, Mike Foster.

Former Labour MP for Worcester, Mike Foster, who served under Blair, said: “I have seen the headlines, petitions and protests and it is total nonsense.

“Tony Blair thoroughly deserves his knighthood.  He was the Labour party’s most successful prime minister, he won three landslide victories and changed Britain for the better and permanently which should never be forgotten.

“The honour has been awarded to previous prime ministers like Margaret Thatcher, John Major and Edward Heath before, clearly it is not only a tradition but also a totally deserved one.

"I expect in due course, Gordon Brown to be offered a knighthood too for his service.”

Mr Blair has also been commended for his work in helping to negotiate the Good Friday Agreement in 1997, as well as his introduction of new civil rights for the gay community in the Civil Partnership Act 2004.

Current leader of the Worcester Green Party and city councillor, Louis Stephen, expressed his disappointment over the news.

Worcester News: Worcester Green Party Leader, Councillor Louis Stephen. Worcester Green Party Leader, Councillor Louis Stephen.

Cllr Stephen said: “I'm appalled that Tony Blair has been given a knighthood. Going to war should always be a last resort.

“As many people will remember about the Iraq conflict, we had weapons inspectors on the ground before any troops were committed and they could not find any evidence of weapons of mass destruction.

“This was borne out by the government's own inquiry after the war that found there was no imminent threat of any weapons of mass destruction.

“The lives lost and the costs to our international reputation are incalculable."

Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer also dismissed criticism of Mr Blair’s knighthood, insisting the former prime minister deserves the honour.