The heroes of Grenfell Tower and recent terror attacks in Manchester and London have missed out on New Year Honours as officials say they need more time to decide who deserves recognition.
Many commentators expected awards for those who responded to the devastating fire, which killed 71 people, as well as the atrocities at Manchester Arena and London Bridge.
The Cabinet Office said they are expected to be recognised in future honour lists, but the process would take time.
Many commentators expected awards for those who responded to the devastating fire. People who have been praised include Wayne Marques, who fought off the three London Bridge terrorists with a baton,(left) and Paula Robinson, dubbed the Angel of Manchester
However, campaigners for the victims of Grenfell Tower reacted angrily to the news, which came amid a cronyism row after two fifths of the New Year Honours were handed to MPs.
Joe Delaney, who lived on Lancaster West estate and is a member of the local council’s Grenfell recovery scrutiny committee, said it showed ‘where the Government’s priorities lie’.
‘What about people who helped at Grenfell, or people who stepped in to help at the London Bridge attack or Manchester Arena? he asked in The Independent.
Labour MP Karen Buck said: ‘We have a duty as a society to bow our heads in recognition of what incredible things people did that night and in the aftermath.’
The dozens of firemen who responded to the Grenfell Tower fire also received widespread praise, with Dany Cotton, the first woman commissioner of the London Fire Brigade, saying they showed exceptional heroism
Numerous people were praised for their response to the disasters.
These included police constable Wayne Marques, who fought off the three London Bridge terrorists with a baton despite losing sight in one eye.
Meanwhile, 48-year-old Paula Robinson was dubbed the Angel of Manchester for guiding 50 children to safety after the attack on Manchester Arena.
The dozens of firemen who responded to the Grenfell Tower fire also received widespread praise, with Dany Cotton, the first woman commissioner of the London Fire Brigade, saying they showed exceptional heroism.
A Cabinet Office spokesman said: ‘Detailed consideration is given to all honours nominations received and this takes time.
‘We would expect to see a number of nominations reflecting recent tragedies and events in future lists, and encourage those in affected communities to put forward nominations.’
The New Year Honours list saw gongs handed out to a smattering of well-known figures in the worlds of showbusiness and politics.
The Beatles’ Ringo Starr and Bee Gees co-founder Barry Gibb were awarded knighthoods’
The musicians are joined on the list by Strictly Come Dancing judge Darcey Bussell, 48, who said she was ‘truly humbled’ to become a dame for services to dance, and War Horse author Michael Morpurgo, who is knighted for services to literature and charity.
22 people were killed when a suicide bomber struck Manchester Arena during an Ariana Grande concert in May
Two of the biggest names in line for honours were leaked. Starr, whose real name is Richard Starkey, was revealed to be in line for a knighthood days ahead of the announcement.
Many commentators expected awards for those who responded to the devastating fire, which killed 71 people. Pictured: Grenfell Tower
His award for services to music comes 52 years after he received an MBE as part of the ‘Fab Four’ and about 20 years after fellow bandmate Sir Paul McCartney was honoured.
Details of the knighthood of former deputy prime minister and prominent Remain campaigner Sir Nick, 50, were also the subject of early newspaper reports. His award has provoked criticism among some Brexiteers.
Conservative MPs Graham Brady, 50, chairman of the party’s 1922 Committee, Geoffrey Clifton-Brown, 64, and Christopher Chope, 70, receive knighthoods for political and public service while Cheryl Gillan, 65, vice chairman of the committee, is made a dame.
On the Labour side, Preston MP Mark Hendrick, 59, and Commons Deputy Speaker Lindsay Hoyle, 60, are knighted.
Former Ukip leader Nigel Farage said Tory MPs were being rewarded for ‘services to the establishment’, while SNP Cabinet Office spokesman Tommy Sheppard warned that honours ‘should not be doled out political favours’.