Baroness Helena Kennedy is to be awarded an honorary degree from the University of Glasgow this summer.

Baroness Kennedy will receive the award in recognition of her contribution to law and social reform at a ceremony in the Bute Hall, University of Glasgow on 17 June 2009.

Born and educated in Glasgow, Baroness Kennedy is a leading British barrister and Queens Counsel. She was a member of the Womens’ Legal Defence Fund which helps women to take sex discrimination cases to court and her book, ‘Eve was Framed’ was an impassioned call for reform in the way the British legal system treats women. She has been chair of a number of prominent organisations including Charter 88 and the London International Festival of Theatre and is currently chair of the British Council and the Human Genetics Commission.  

Former Presiding Officer of the Scottish Parliament, George Reid will also receive an Honorary Degree on the same day in recognition of his contribution to politics and humanitarian work. An Honorary Professor of Law at the University of Glasgow, George Reid has served as an MP and MSP and was Director of public Affairs for the world-wide humanitarian organisation the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies. 

Professor Iain Forrester will be awarded an Honorary Degree in recognition of his outstanding contribution to European law.  His consultancy work is much in demand from companies, sovereign states, industry associations as well as private individuals. He is a prolific and highly regarded author in the field of European Competition law.

Clerk of Senate & Vice Principal of the University of Glasgow, Graham Caie said: “The University of Glasgow is delighted to recognise and honour the contribution these three distinguished and influential lawyers have made in their own profession and beyond.”

Professor Iain Forrester will receive a Doctor of Law honorary degree at the graduation ceremony on 26 June in the Bute Hall at the University of Glasgow while Helena Kennedy and George Reid will receive theirs on Commemoration Day, 17 June 2009.

Further information:
Martin Shannon, Media Relations Officer
University of Glasgow Tel: 0141 330 8593

First published: 22 April 2009

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