Environment Agency chair Emma Howard Boyd has paid tribute to the amazing work of the Agency’s staff as she was one of four named in the Queen’s Birthday Honours list today (Friday 11 June).

Emma has been awarded a CBE for service to the environment. For the past five years she has led the Environment Agency’s work to create a better place, helping it deliver major successes in reducing flood risk, protecting nature and enhancing the nation’s resilience to climate change.

Her outstanding commitment and leadership in times of crisis was also recognised; turning out in all weathers and at all times to visit and support communities hit by flooding and empathetically supporting staff and services during major incidents and challenging times. As the UK Commissioner to the Global Commission on Adaptation from 2018 to early 2021, and now as one of the global ambassadors to the Race to Zero and the Race to Resilience, she has also been a key player in the UK and international effort to tackle the climate emergency.

She is joined on this year’s list by Anita Seaton, part of the EA’s incident response and resilience team, who is awarded an MBE for services to the environment and vulnerable communities.

Colin Liptrot, who works on mechanical electrical instrumentation control and automation in the EA, also receives an MBE for services to diversity and inclusion.

Flood and coastal risk management adviser Dr Karen Parker receives a BEM for services to equality, diversity and inclusion.

Emma Howard Boyd, Chair of the Environment Agency, said:

I am delighted to accept this honour on behalf of all the amazing people at the Environment Agency alongside Anita, Colin and Karen.

Our work to help people prepare for climate shocks, to enhance nature, to reduce emissions to net zero and to improve water quality has never been more important. It seems the world is waking up to this, but we all need to bring our creativity, enthusiasm and power to bear if it is not going to be too little, too late.

This decade is meant to be the climate decade and we’re already a year and a half into it, so we need to accelerate action now.

The full list of recipients of Queen’s Birthday Honours is available on GOV.UK.

The Queen’s Birthday Honours List 2021 demonstrates the extraordinary efforts made by individuals in all four nations of the United Kingdom during the pandemic.

The List includes those who have worked throughout the crisis, putting others before themselves – from caring neighbours, frontline and community heroes, to those supporting the UK recovery.

The Birthday Honours List 2021 is the most ethnically diverse list to date, with 15% of recipients coming from an ethnic minority background.

In a year that has truly tested the resolve and determination of the country, almost 23% of recipients are recommended for COVID-19 service. These include recipients who have given charitable and voluntary support to communities, service in health and social care, and those who have provided critical infrastructure support.

Recognising the world-beating and extraordinary success of the UK’s vaccination programme, a damehood goes to Kate Bingham, lately Chair, Vaccine Taskforce, for services to the procurement, manufacture and distribution of COVID-19 vaccines.

A damehood also goes to Professor Sarah Gilbert, Saïd Professor of Vaccinology at the Jenner Institute for her pivotal role in developing a COVID-19 vaccine.

A knighthood is given to Professor Andrew Pollard, Professor of Paediatric Infection, University of Oxford for services to Public Health particularly during COVID-19. CBEs are awarded to Ian McCubbin, Manufacturing Expert on the Vaccine Taskforce Steering Committee, Vaccine Taskforce and Mark Proctor, Global Supply Strategy Director at AstraZeneca. Divya Chadha Manek receives an OBE for her work in the research and development of vaccines and the resulting clinical trials.

This Honours List is an exemplary showcase of what a caring nation we are. British Empire Medals go to brother and sister John Brownhill and Amanda Guest, co-founders of Food4Heroes which delivered food from local chefs to those NHS frontline staff.

A BEM also goes to Rhys Mallows, 25 years old from South Glamorgan who repurposed his whiskey distillery to produce hand sanitiser and Mahtab Morovat for her work in supporting vulnerable people during the pandemic.

The majority of awards are for the contributions people have made in their communities. Of those receiving an award, 62% are recognised for their community work.

Leading a number of high impact contributions by younger people, the youngest recipient is 21 year old Amika George, founder of the #FreePeriods Campaign who receives an MBE for services to education. In campaigning against period poverty, she is joined on the List by friends Clegg Bamber and Anna Miles, also receiving MBEs for their work on the Red Box Project which has delivered free period products in schools across the country.

Singer Lulu receives a CBE for services to music, entertainment and charity, as does sport commentator Sue Barker for services to sport, broadcasting and charity, and former manager of Crystal Palace Football Club, Roy Hodgson for services to football.

Damehoods are awarded to Meg Hillier MP and Andrea Leadsom MP for their parliamentary and political service. Tony Lloyd MP receives a knighthood for parliamentary and public service.

In sport, Director of Rugby at Leeds Rhinos Kevin Sinfield receives an OBE for services to Rugby League Football and charitable fundraising for motor neuron disease. MBEs are also awarded to England footballers Jordan Henderson and Raheem Sterling for services to charity and racial equality in sport respectively.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson said:

The Queen’s Birthday Honours allow us to pay tribute to all those who have gone above and beyond in their service to this country.

Throughout the pandemic we have seen countless examples of every day heroes. From those using their expertise to help develop life-saving vaccines, which are now being rolled out successfully to all parts of the UK, to the people who have given time and energy to care for their communities.

We should take heart from the stories of those receiving honours today and be inspired by their courage and kindness. May they be a reminder of all that we can achieve when we come together as a society.

The honours system strives to be inclusive of all of the UK society. Of the 1,129 people who receive an award:

• 986 candidates have been selected at BEM, MBE and OBE level:
• 323 at BEM
• 457 at MBE
• 206 at OBE
• 695 (62%) of the recipients are people who have undertaken outstanding work in their communities either in a voluntary or paid capacity;
• 567 women are recognised in the List, representing 50% of the total (39% of recipients at CBE level and above are women);
• 15% of the successful candidates come from an ethnic minority background:
• 6.8% of recipients are from an Asian ethnic group;
• 4.2% of recipients are from a Black ethnic group;
• 3.3% of recipients with a mixed ethnic background;
• 0.7% of recipients come from another ethnic background;
• 9% of the successful candidates are disabled or have a long-term health condition;
• 17.3% of recipients considered themselves to come from a lower socio-economic background; and
• 5% of recipients are LGBT.

A further breakdown of the diversity statistics will be available at the new dedicated honours website honours.cabinetoffice.gov.uk which has been launched to improve accessibility, transparency and inclusivity of the honours system. The full Queen’s Birthday Honours List 2021 can be found here.

A number of serving personnel have been recognised in the Queen’s Birthday Honours List this year for demonstrating outstanding commitment and dedication to their roles in a variety of operational activities.

Several individuals were specifically honoured for developing initiatives that encourage diversity and inclusion in Defence.

Defence Secretary Ben Wallace said:

Congratulations to our esteemed Armed Forces personnel receiving state honours from Her Majesty The Queen in this year’s Birthday Honours List.

The work our people do every day is nothing short of exceptional and I am proud to see so many individuals recognised for going above and beyond the call of duty to achieve excellence.

They are a great source of pride and inspiration for our country.

Minister for Defence People and Veterans Leo Docherty said:

Defence’s greatest asset is its people and the Queen’s Birthday Honours List is a clear testament to that.

I would like to thank our Armed Forces who work tirelessly to serve our country and are constantly standing ready to protect the UK and our allies.

Diversity strengthens Defence and it is excellent to see our personnel stepping up to make our organisation inclusive for all who serve.

Among the winners is Lieutenant Colonel Scott Wallace of the Royal Marines, who has been recommended for an MBE for his tireless work in promoting wheelchair basketball across the Armed Forces as a significant method of recovery for injured personnel. Lt Col Wallace has spent many hours outside his military role coaching players who have competed at the Invictus Games, Paralympics and World Championships. Throughout Covid-19, he conducted virtual training sessions online and has been instrumental in transforming the profile of wheelchair basketball.

Lieutenant Colonel Scott Wallace said:

It is a huge privilege to be made an MBE in the Queen’s Birthday Honours List. Rather than for my actions, it more appropriately serves as a recognition of the continued and prolonged support of my family in my endeavours to use adaptive and disability sport to help serving and veteran wounded, injured and sick service personnel both in their recovery pathways and in their maintenance of wellbeing post life-changing circumstances.

This is both humbling and in addition to the immense satisfaction gained from being involved with some truly inspiring individuals.

Another significant contribution honoured Warrant Officer Class 2 Sheridan Lucas of the Army’s Royal Logistic Corps who developed and implemented the first male and female integrated platoons. WO2 Lucas’ work has shaped how the infantry trains women in ground close combat, ensuring the success of a hugely important project. Outside of her military role, WO2 Lucas has represented the Army, Wales and Great Britain in powerlifting.

Warrant Officer Class 2 Sheridan Lucas said:

I am totally shocked and overwhelmed. It’s something I certainly never thought I would achieve. The Army has given me so many opportunities. The role at ITC was a privilege and honour, supporting the first females make history.

I was simply a voice of experience and I am so happy it made a difference, The young ladies that embarked on that adventure deserve all the credit. I’m always so proud when I’m in a training establishment role as I get to see the greatness the Army is developing.

Flight Lieutenant Kyle Roachford of the Royal Air Force, who has been Chair of the RAF’s BAME Network for over seven years, also received an MBE honour. Throughout this role, Flt Lt Roachford provided valuable advice to senior members of the service and proved influential in helping talented personnel from BAME backgrounds succeed in their careers. Under his leadership, the BAME Network has grown immensely, and his commitment to supporting BAME personnel has led to positive and vital change across Defence.

Flight Lieutenant (now Squadron Leader) Kyle Roachford said:

I am honoured and humbled to have been appointed as a Member of the British Empire. This represents the work that has been achieved by so many in the RAF BAME Network, to help our organisation progress which will improve recruitment and retention. Therefore, I accept this award on their behalf. Diversity is at the heart of all that we do, and it is my hope that every individual can bring their whole self to work and represent the society we protect.

The full list of winners for the military division of the Queen’s Birthday Honours List can be found here.

A number of military personnel have been granted state honours for their work in the Armed Forces.

Promotions in an appointments to the military division of the most honourable order of the bath.

Promotions in and appointments to the military division of the most excellent order of the British Empire.

Promotions in and appointments to the military division of the most honourable order of the bath.

Promotions in and appointments to the military division of the most excellent order of the British Empire.

Promotions in and appointments to the military division of the most honourable order of the bath.

Promotions in and appointments to the military division of the most excellent order of the British Empire.

Promotions in and appointments to the military division of the most honourable order of the bath.

Promotions in and appointments to the military division of the most excellent order of the British Empire.

• the Queen’s Birthday Honours has recognised 129 people for their exceptional service to the UK overseas or internationally
• awards recognise extraordinary people across a range of fields
• recipients include the British scientist Dr Michael Houghton, who discovered the Hepatitis C virus and the Irish vaccinologist Professor Adrian Hill, Director of The Jenner Institute in Oxford

The Overseas and International Birthday 2021 Honours List published today, recognises 129 extraordinary people in a wide range of fields. These include business, charity and voluntary work, culture, development, education, foreign policy, health, security and sport.

Among those receiving awards this year is Dr Michael Houghton who receives a Knighthood for services to medicine and Professor Adrian Hill who receives an honorary Knighthood for services to science and public health.

The award to Professor Hill is one of a number that recognise outstanding healthcare contributions overseas and internationally as part of the COVID-19 response. These include honorary OBEs awarded to Professor Teresa Lambe at the Jenner Institute and Professor Massimo Palmarini at the University of Glasgow for their work in the development of vaccines. Honours are also awarded to those who have given exceptional support to British nationals overseas during the pandemic.

Further information about recipients receiving knighthood level awards is included with the Overseas and International List.

Sir Philip Barton, Permanent Under-Secretary at the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office and Head of the Diplomatic Service, said:

I congratulate everyone receiving an honour and thank them for their hard work and years of service. The UK’s impact around the world depends on exceptional people like those recognised in this year’s Queen’s Birthday Honours. We are grateful for their outstanding contribution.

Lynda Crafter

Head of operations, ZANE (Zimbabwe A National Emergency), receives an OBE for services to British nationals in Zimbabwe.

Lynda Crafter is recognised for an exceptional and sustained contribution to supporting British nationals in Zimbabwe in her capacity as Head of Operations for the UK registered non-governmental organisation ZANE. Since 2007, Mrs Crafter has provided support to vulnerable and elderly British nationals within care homes and elsewhere in Zimbabwe, who otherwise would have no one to turn to. Her work stretches from assisting the elderly with financial aid, medication and medical procedures to the provision of food to care homes and destitute pensioners living in their own homes, to building links with medical care providers for use in emergencies.

Most recently, she led a UK government funded project to support British nationals in 40 care homes identified at high risk from COVID-19 infection. This involved personally travelling hundreds of kilometres across the country, distributing funds and offering support to administrators, all within a difficult context of lockdown and at significant risk to her own personal safety and health.

On learning of her award, Lynda Crafter said:

I was astonished but delighted to receive news of this award but feel honoured to have recognition of ZANE’s team work in Zimbabwe. Were it not for the FCDO grants and our joint project with the British Embassy we would have seen many more COVID-19 infections amongst the care homes in this country.

Amina Plummer

Education Director, The Owl’s Nest International School, Accra, Ghana, receives an MBE for services to education and social work in the UK and Ghana.

Originally from Manchester, Ms Plummer spent the early part of her career supporting children, parents, and carers in the diverse community of Moss Side. She went on to work as a lecturer at the University of Salford, with leadership of children and families and social inequalities and human rights modules. As a counselling supervisor for the NSPCC, her master’s thesis related to safeguarding with a focus on Africa.

Ms Plummer moved to Ghana in 1999 and in 2007 launched an inclusive international school in Cantonments, teaching a UK curriculum. She has also supported disadvantaged children and families in the local area through both the school and her charity work with street children. In December 2018, the Academic Union in Oxford declared the school one of the ‘Best Regional Educational Institutions’ and recognized Ms Plummer as one of the ‘Educators of the Year’.

On learning of her award, Amina Plummer said:

I am delighted and honoured to receive this award and grateful to those who nominated me. It is wonderful to know that my vocation of 40-plus years is appreciated and recognised. Thank you to everyone who supported me, especially my family, friends, colleagues and most of all the children and their families.

Neil Taylor

Historian and travel author, also receives an MBE for services to UK/Estonia relations.

Neil Taylor is recognised for his outstanding contribution to the UK’s bilateral relationship with Estonia. Since Estonia regained independence, he has played a significant and sustained role in the development of cultural relations between both countries. Through the 8 editions of his ‘Bradt guide to Estonia’, he encouraged intrepid British travellers to rediscover a country and culture that had largely been cut off from Western Europe since the Second World War.

Then in 2018, the Centenary of the first Estonian Independence, Mr Taylor’s book ‘Estonia: a modern history’ was published to much critical acclaim, including in Estonia. In a country where an appreciation and knowledge of the past is essential for understanding the present, Mr Taylor has helped to remind and celebrate the historic connection between the 2 countries and the longstanding UK support for Estonia’s independence.

On learning on his award, Neil Taylor said:

I feel very honoured that my modest contribution to British-Estonian relations has been recognised in this way. My work could not have come about without the constant support and enthusiasm from travel trade and publishing contacts in both the UK and in Estonia.

David Alexander Robertson

Manager, Real Kashmir Football Club, India, receives a British Empire Medal (BEM) for services to the community in Kashmir and UK/India relations.

David Robertson, the manager of Real Kashmir Football Club (RKFC), has received a British Empire Medal (BEM) in the Queen’s Birthday Honours List for services to the local community. The award recognises Mr Robertson’s outstanding contribution to the sport and the community as head coach of RKFC since January 2017. This included guiding the football team into the I-League – the first time the team has competed at this level. The last season of the I-League saw RKFC attain the highest number of home ground match attendees, averaging 25,000 people per match.

On learning of his award, David Robertson said:

I am absolutely delighted and honoured to have been recognised and awarded this honour for my work in Kashmir. I have enjoyed every minute spent in Kashmir. It has been a real pleasure to have worked and met so many wonderful people. I think of Kashmir as my second home.