Twitter’s #PinkNotGreen boycott of Sir Philip Green’s shops gains momentum as MPs call for knighthood to be questioned
A boycott of Sir Philip Green’s businesses is gathering momentum online under the hashtag #PinkNotGreen as leading MPs call for the business tycoon to be stripped of his knighthood.
The proposed boycott comes after Sir Philip was named in parliament yesterday as the man at the centre of sexual harassment and racial abuse claims, which he has denied.
Former minister Lord Peter Hain said it was his duty to say under parliamentary privilege that Sir Philip was the "powerful businessman using non-disclosure agreements and substantial payments to conceal the truth about serious and repeated sexual harassment, racist abuse and bullying which is compulsively continuing".
Later in the day Green responded: "To the extent that it is suggested that I have been guilty of unlawful sexual or racist behaviour, I categorically and wholly deny these allegations."
Now Twitter is awash with people threatening to boycott Topshop and other stores owned by the business billionaire’s Arcadia Group.
Many referenced Topshop’s decision to dismantle a feminist book display at its Oxford Circus store earlier this month, reportedly just 20 minutes after it was set up.
https://twitter.com/its_alicemay/status/1055747544511381509
https://twitter.com/VidaLaVieZoe/status/1055704984212398081
Though others cautioned against a boycott, saying it would hit hundreds of low-paid employees.
https://twitter.com/AndyWestTV/status/1055718741126889472
The movement comes as MP Frank Field called for Sir Philip’s knighthood to be taken away.
Former Labour MP Field, who clashed with the business mogul over plans to rescue the BHS pensions scheme, reportedly said: "The charge sheet against the knighthood is growing.
“Parliament and the country have made their views clear on this matter. Ultimately it's a decision for the honours forfeiture committee."
Liberal Democrats leader Vince Cable was quoted as saying: “I think parliament’s proving its worth. The use of Parliament in this way is healthy and it shows democracy at work.”
https://twitter.com/frankfieldteam/status/1055523726962450432
Field also called for it to be made easier to raise abuse concerns through parliament.
“I have been talking this evening with somebody who witnessed grotesque bullying at work. They would like for what they witnessed to be shared, through the House of Commons, with the nation,” he said.
“I am seeking to raise urgently with the Government the importance of having a mechanism in Parliament through which the voices of victims of abuse can be heard.
“This would develop the role of the House of Commons in a way which stands up for people who have little money, against those who have much.”