Spitfire designer deserves a Knighthood Huhne tells Blair

5.20.29pm UTC (GMT +0000) Tue 14th Mar 2006

Mitchell died in 1937 before he was able to receive the recognition he deserved

Eastleigh MP Chris Huhne has written to Tony Blair asking the Prime Minister to support a campaign to award Spitfire designer RJ Mitchell with a posthumous knighthood.

Commenting Chris Huhne said "RJ Mitchell's Spitfire not only formed the backbone of the RAF's fighter force during World War two but it has become one of the great British design icons.

"This aircraft stands as a symbol of British resistance against Nazi tyranny and played a crucial role in wining the War.

"Mitchell was a man of great skill and vision and it is tragic that he died in 1937 before he was able to witness the achievements of his design and receive the recognition he deserved.

"Sir Sidney Camm, the man who designed the Hawker Hurricane, was knighted for his work and I feel it is fitting that both designers should be given the same award.

"Traditional protocol states that Knighthoods should not be awarded posthumously, but in this case an exception should be made. RJ Mitchell died before anyone knew how great his contribution to British life would be.

"We should mark the year of the 60th anniversary of the Spitfire's first flight from Eastleigh Aerodrome by officially recognising RJ Mitchell's brilliant and enduring legacy".