Dr Lisa Cameron, who defected from SNP to Tory, was honoured with doctorate for championing inclusion and innovation.
Former East Kilbride MP, Dr Lisa Cameron, has received an honorary doctorate for her parliamentary work on mental, health and disability rights.
The clinical psychologist, who who served as the Member of Parliament for East Kilbride, Strathaven and Lesmahagow for nine years, was awarded an Honorary Doctor of Law by the University of East London (UEL).
Dr Cameron was formally presented with the honorary doctorate on September 11 at UEL’s Docklands campus by UEL Chancellor Lord Sarfraz of Kensington.
She was recognised for her “pioneering work” in Parliament to advance mental health, disability inclusion and emerging technologies, as well as her commitment to creating opportunities for underrepresented communities.
Accepting the honour, Glasgow-born Dr Cameron, who made headlines after sensationally defecting from the Scottish National Party (SNP) to the Conservatives in October 2023, 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.”
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“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.
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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.”
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