More about: Gary Barlow

David Cameron has spoken out in support of Gary Barlow, saying he shouldn't be stripped of his OBE for reportedly investing in a tax avoidance scheme with his Take That bandmates.

Barlow, his fellow Take That members Howard Donald and Mark Owen, and their manager Jonathan Wild, have been ordered to pay millions of pounds in tax after a court found they had invested around £66 million into a tax avoidance scheme. 

Cameron voiced his opposition to "aggressive tax avoidance" when asked about Barlow's case, but the Prime Minister has now added that he doesn't think Barlow, who is a supporter of the Conservative party, should be stripped of his OBE due to his extensive charity work.

Whilst appearing on Good Morning Britain today (May 12), Cameron was asked if Barlow should return his honours, and replied: "I don't think that's necessary, frankly. Gary Barlow has done a huge amount for the country, he's raised money for charity, he's done very well for Children in Need so I'm not sure.

"The OBE was in respect of that work and what he's done. But clearly what this scheme was was wrong and it's right that they're going to have to pay back the money," he added.

Cameron's comments come after Margaret Hodge, chair of the Commons public accounts committee, called for Barlow to "show a bit of contrition by giving back his OBE". Barlow was awarded the honour in 2012 for his contribution to music and charity work.

More about: Gary Barlow