Hamilton is one of a host of sportspeople to be recognised in a list that sees almost 15% of honours' recipients coming from the public sector. Medical workers, firefighters, teachers, police and local government officials are recognised for having made huge individual impacts, in response to the coronavirus pandemic in particular.
Just over 14% of recipients are from a Black, Asian or minority ethnic background, making this the most ethnically diverse list yet.
There are 123 health and social care workers - from British Red Cross Ambulance Crew to care home managers - who have all played a part in response to the pandemic.
The majority of awards are for the contributions people have made in their communities. Of those receiving an award, 65% are recognised for their community work. Anne Baker, 106, from Salisbury, receives an MBE for fundraising for the NSPCC, and 104-year-old Ruth Saunders gets an MBE for walking a marathon to raise money for Thames Valley Air Ambulance.
Other sportspeople include former rugby player Rob Burrow, who receives an MBE for the awareness he has raised around motor neuron disease, particularly during the pandemic. Two members of England's 1966 World Cup squad - Ron Flowers and Jimmy Greaves - receive MBEs for services to football.
British Billie Jean King Cup captain Anne Keothavong also becomes an MBE. Actor Sheila Hancock receives a damehood for services to drama and charity.
Boris Johnson says: "In a year when so many have made sacrifices to protect our NHS and save people’s lives, the outstanding efforts of those receiving honours today are a welcome reminder of the strength of human spirit, and of what can be achieved through courage and compassion.
"The 2021 New Year Honours offer us an opportunity to salute their dedication and recognise many who have gone above and beyond in their contribution to our country."
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Hamilton pays some tax in the UK. His earnings consist of money earned in numerous races around the world, and he pays tax in other countries accordingly. Nobody who races against him underestimates his ability, both physically and mentally. Unless you are a F1 standard driver your opinion means nothing. My issue with Hamilton is that he is half white. His mother is white, Yet he totally dismisses his white heritage. I also disagree with his, and many others’, use of the ‘Black Power’ raised clenched fist salute while taking the knee in support of Black Lives Matter. The raised clenched fist is the black equivalent of the white power Nazi salute, and it should be outlawed.
Funny, if LH was a blonde, blue eyed white guy, everybody would be cheering and proud to be British, rule Britannia etc. But no, let's kick his amazing achievement into the ground, as he does not pay his taxes in the UK.
Hamilton is a decent racing driver but then again the majority of the other drivers would be too if they had Lewis's car and mechanics etc. Put him in a lesser team and he wouldn't get anywhere near winning a race.
They give knighthoods out in lucky bags he’s a clown
Bell end
lewis hamilton does not pay any tax in uk so is a tax exile in monte carlo to escape racist britain to join 99%white population of monte carlo