It's an honour says Jim Dobbin MP

Jim Dobbin MP

Heywood & Middelton MP Jim Dobbin has spoken of his delight following the announcement that he is to be made a Papal Knight.

Mr Dobbin said: "It's in recognition of the work done here and in House of Commons, on behalf of the church and pro life issues. I’ve been working hard over the years with legislation from many years ago the Mental Capacity Bill to the current Human Fertilisation Bill.

I'm astounded because I didn’t know I was getting it. It’s an honour to be recognised and I feel very humble, the thought of it never even crossed my mind.

I would like to thank everyone else involved here and in the House of Commons.”


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The RT Hon Jim Dobbin MP

I am delighted to tell you that Pope Benedict XVI has appointed you as a knight of the Order of St Gregory the Great. I am particularly pleased as the award is given in recognition of your service to the catholic church in the public witness of faith as a parliamentarian and as such a staunch advocate of the dignity of all human life.

Similar honours have been given to a few other people at the same time and the Apostolic Nuncio, Archbishop Faustino Sainz Munoz has kindly offered to host a reception at the Apostolic Nunciature so that he and I might be present them.

I sincerely hope that you will be able to come to the Nunciature at 6.00pm on Monday, 30th June 2008. We would envisage that you invite to join you up to six or seven members of your family and friends, and that the reception would come to an end around 7.00pm – 7.30pm.

Would you mind letting me know as soon as possible whether the date is feasible for you? If not, then we will look for a less formal occasion for you to receive the insignia.

Details for the reception are being co-ordinated by the Bishops’ conference Secretariat and Lorraine Welch will be in touch with you about the arrangements for guests on 30th June 2008.

With my sincere good wishes and congratulations,

Yours devotedly

Cardinal Cormac Murphy – O’Connor