23 December 2006
Tony Blair says the honorary knighthood awarded to anti-poverty campaigner Bono is a deserved reward for his "remarkable" humanitarian work.
The 46-year-old Irish rock singer has played a leading part in the fight against poverty.
He is also being recognised by the Queen for his "outstanding contribution" to music with U2 and will receive his award in the New Year.
The PM, in a letter to Bono, said he had played an invaluable role in the run-up to last year’s G8 summit which had a focus on helping poor nations in Africa.
Citizens of countries which do not have the Queen as their head of state can have honours conferred upon them, in which case the awards are classed as "honorary".
Read the PM’s letter to Bono in full
I am absolutely delighted that you have accepted an honorary KBE in recognition of your outstanding contribution to music and for your remarkable humanitarian work.
I’ll leave it to others far more knowledgeable than me to talk about U2’s music. All I’ll say is that, along with millions of others right across the world, I am a huge fan. But I feel a little more qualified to talk about your personal commitment to tackling global poverty and, in particular, to Africa.
I know from talking to you how much these causes matter to you. I know as well how knowledgeable you are about the problems we face and how determined you are to do all you can to help overcome them. You have tirelessly used your voice to speak up for Africa.
I want personally to thank you for the invaluable role you played in the run up to the Gleneagles G8 Summit. Without your personal contribution, we could not have achieved the results we did. So thank you and I look forward to continuing to work together to maintain momentum on Africa, and ensure leaders around the world meet the promises they have made.
Both in your music and in your determination to help tackle global poverty, you have been an inspiration.
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