Dr Lisa Cameron honoured with doctorate

Accepting the honour, Dr Cameron told graduates she was “truly honoured” to receive the award in recognition of her decade in Parliament and her earlier career in the NHS. She praised UEL as “world-leading in so many sectors, including technological advancement… providing students with the very best opportunities to succeed in the future.”

“I’ve been hugely impressed by the calibre of the faculty, staff and students here,” she said.

I remain resolute in showcasing the example of the educational standards provided at this outstanding institution within UK Parliament.”

Dr Cameron reflected on her own path, from attending a local comprehensive school to becoming the first clinical psychologist elected to the UK House of Commons, where she championed disability rights, mental health and healthcare innovation. She founded the Speaker’s Disability Internship Programme, which opened up Parliament to young people with lived experience of disability and mental health conditions.

She also led Parliament’s first All-Party Group on Digital Assets and Cryptocurrency, helping shape national debate on blockchain, Web3 and future technologies - work which first brought her into contact with UEL’s pioneering research in these fields.

Speaking directly to graduates, she urged them to embrace the power of education to change lives and to use their success to lift others.

When you succeed, as you will, my message is always to give back to others and consider how to help them in their own journey. Your life will be all the richer for it - perhaps not financially, but in greater value, contributing both towards our communities and humanity.

It is an absolute privilege to be with you at the start of your journey into exciting new chapters, where you will change so many lives and make your families incredibly proud.”