More than 300 British lawyers including Cherie Blair, wife of ex-Prime Minister Tony Blair, have signed a petition claiming that one of the oldest and most prestigious clubs in London , the Garrick, which is celebrating its 190 years on Tuesday , finally admits women.
Like a dozen other prestigious London clubs (White’s, Boodle’s), the Garrick, nestled in the heart of the Covent Garden district and with judges, lawyers, officials or actors, is reserved for men.
Among the signatures, Cherie Blair, wife of ex-Prime Minister Tony Blair Asking members of the Garrick “if they would remain members of a club that practiced exclusion on the grounds of race, religion or sexuality”, an online petition invites them “to behave ethically, to demand a vote and to vote in favor of admitting women.”
Among the famous signatories, Cherie Blair, wife of former Labor Prime Minister Tony Blair, who recalled an anecdote from the time they were both interns: “Forty-five years ago I stayed outside the Garrick while my supervisor took Tony Blair, student like me, inside. It is scandalous that so little progress has been made since. ”
In 2015, the Garrick had organized a vote on openness to women , supported by several prominent members – actor Hugh Bonneville, Minister Michael Gove, several Lords. But without success, due to too small a majority of 50, 5% when two thirds were needed.
Actor Nigel Havers, a member of the club, signed the petition, adding that it was “surely time for the Garrick to enter the 21st century.”