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Shami recognised in week of graduation ceremonies

Celebrated supporter of human rights and Director of Liberty Shami Chakrabarti CBE has been recognised by Brunel University London for her outstanding service to civil liberties.

The honorary award of Doctor of Letters was among several to be presented at Brunel’s graduation ceremonies this week, recognising people who have demonstrated exceptional scholarly achievement or outstanding service to the university.

Shami, who has been Director of Liberty, the National Council for Civil Liberties, since 2003, told students from the university’s College of Business, Arts and Social Sciences: “This was such a wonderful honour. I am from northwest London so it was fantastic to return to this side of the capital. I truly find this a statement of solidarity by the university. Human rights are under attack every day and it's great to stand firm together." 

A barrister by trade, Shami worked as a lawyer in the Home Office from 1996 to 2001. She has written and spoken on the importance of human rights within a democratic society and, in 2011, was invited to be one of six independent assessors advising Lord Justice Leveson in his public inquiry into the culture, practice and ethics of the UK press.

Other honorary graduands to be recognised this week include TV and theatre director Paulette Randall MBE, who is awarded the Doctorate of Humanities for her outstanding service to film, television and theatre; and Professor Dame Nancy Rothwell DBE, who is awarded the Doctorate of Science for her outstanding service to science.

Honorary Fellowships are received by Head of Brand at telecommunication company Telefonica, Amanda Clay-Jones, in recognition of her outstanding support of the university; and Deputy Mayor for the London Borough of Hillingdon, John Hensley, in recognition of his significant contribution to Brunel.

Chair for Harrow in Business Ash Verma and retired director of the Brunel Computer Centre Norman Bonney also receive Honorary Fellowships in recognition of their significant contributions to the university.

Graduation ceremonies are being streamed live all week at http://www.brunel.ac.uk/news-and-events/graduation/live