Boris Johnson 'backs calls to strip Harvey Weinstein of CBE' after rape conviction

Boris Johnson has indicated he backs calls for Harvey Weinstein to be stripped of his CBE after the move mogul was jailed for rape.

The Prime Minister’s official spokesman said the Government was “crystal clear” that it condemned sexual abuse “in all its forms”.

Downing Street said removing the US film producer’s CBE was a matter for the independent panel responsible for honours.

But No 10 sources suggested that Mr Johnson would not object if the panel decided to remove the honorary gong.

Senior ministers have hinted the PM believed that Weinstein had brought the honours system into disrepute.

Calls are mounting to have the disgraced producer stripped of his honorary CBE after he was convicted of rape and criminal sexual assault.

Once one of Hollywood’s most influential figures, Weinstein, 67, was convicted of sexually assaulting former production assistant Mimi Haleyi in 2006 and raping Jessica Mann, a onetime aspiring actress, in 2013.

He was acquitted on the most serious charges that carried a potential life sentence.

Asked whether he should be stripped of his honour, the PM’s spokesman said: “It’s a matter for the independent honours forfeiture committee to consider cases where the honours system has been brought into disrepute.

“We are crystal clear that any unwanted sexual behaviour is completely unacceptable and we condemn sexual violence in all of its forms.”

Weinstein was awarded an honorary CBE for outstanding contribution to the British film industry in 2004.

It was reported in October 2018 that revoking the honour was being “actively considered” by the Honours Forfeiture Committee.

But details of such action is confidential. Only when an honour is revoked is a public statement made to record it in the London Gazette.

Rolf Harris was stripped of his CBE in 2015.

Dawn Butler, Labour ’s Shadow Equalities Secretary, said: “The government needs to act, fast.

“Weinstein should have been stripped of his honours a long time ago, but now he’s been found guilty by the courts, there’s no excuse. It’s shameful – and more importantly, it’s insulting to his victims.

“He has subjected women to years of misery, many careers have been trashed. Those brave women are the ones who deserve to be honoured.”

Lib Dem Layla Moran tweeted: “Weinstein should be immediately stripped of his CBE: Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire. We should not honour him.”

Revoking an honour is a complex process decided by the independent, but highly secretive, Forfeiture Committee.

It has existed for 50 years and has five members, one of whom is chairman Sir Jonathan Stephens – a top civil servant who is in charge of the whole honours system.

The membership also includes the Treasury Solicitor and three permanent, independent members whose identities are not made public.