University honours former Home Secretary for education work

One of Britain’s most respected and prominent political figures in recent decades has been honoured by the University of Derby.

Lord David Blunkett served for eight years in Tony Blair’s Labour cabinet, holding the posts of Education and Employment Secretary, Home Secretary and Secretary of State for Work and Pensions.

Throughout his career, Lord Blunkett has focused on improving the lives of others through social mobility and access to education.

He collaborated with Professor Kathryn Mitchell CBE DL, vice-chancellor and chief executive of the University of Derby, on the Higher Education Commission Inquiry, which led to the 2020 report, “Arriving At Thriving: Learning from disabled students to ensure access for all”.

This report highlighted challenges faced by disabled students and made 12 recommendations for improvement in the sector.

In recognition of his achievements in public service, and his extensive work to promote social mobility and improved access to education, Lord Blunkett has been awarded an Honorary Doctorate of the university.

Professor Mitchell said: “Lord Blunkett’s determination to succeed in the face of adversity and to encourage others to reach their full potential is inspirational.

“His legacy extends far beyond his political achievements and demonstrates that, with perseverance, passion, generosity and a good sense of humour, anything is possible.

“The University of Derby is delighted to award him with an Honorary Degree, and we look forward to continuing to work together to improve access to higher education.”

Lord Blunkett has overcome many barriers in his life. He attended a state boarding school for blind children from the age of four as external academic qualifications were not available when at the Royal National College for the Blind.

As a young adult, he studied through evening classes and day release from his first job and went on to study politics at the University of Sheffield.

He subsequently became a teacher for post-16 education where his passion and determination to promote greater quality of opportunity and improved access to education for all developed. He went on to win a seat on Sheffield’s city council, making him the youngest ever city councillor.

A successful political career followed, and he joined the incoming Labour government in 1997. He was Home Secretary in charge of MI5 at the time of the attack on the Twin Towers in the United States of America on 11 September 2001.

After leaving Parliament in 2015, Lord Blunkett worked with a number of key charities as well as advising on a range of issues including cyber security, education and skills.

He took up the offer of a seat in the House of Lords and, more recently, led on the production of a major report on the future of education and skills for Sir Keir Starmer.

Lord Blunkett was presented with his honorary degree by Lord Burlington, Chancellor of the University of Derby and Professor Mitchell at an Honorary Award Celebration Event in Westminster.