University news

The University of Sussex has awarded Caroline Lucas, former Green Party leader and MP for Brighton Pavilion, with an honorary degree at the university’s winter graduation today.  

Caroline Lucas was the UK’s first and only Green MP, representing the Brighton Pavilion constituency, holding the seat for 14 years before stepping down in 2024. Lucas was also elected as a Member of the European Parliament in 1999, representing South East England. During this time, she was leader of her party, served as Chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Groups on Climate Change and Limits to Growth, helped to push the climate emergency into the mainstream and supported calls for human rights campaigns. 

Lucas has supported many organisations in Brighton & Hove including RISE, which supports those affected by domestic abuse and violence, and the Brighton Women’s Centre. She is also an ambassador for the Women’s Environmental Network and Breast Cancer Now.  

Last year, Caroline wrote Another England How to Reclaim Our National Story, where she delves deep into England’s history to look at what a greener, fairer English identity could look like in future. 

Stepping down from her role at last July’s General Election, Lucas continues to have an interest in climate and nature issues, while also training to be an end-of-life doula (a non-medical assistant during a person’s dying stages).  

Lucas was conferred honorary Doctor of Laws on Wednesday 22 January during the first of the University of Sussex’s winter graduation ceremonies.  

Caroline Lucas said: 
“It is a real privilege to be awarded this honorary degree – my first – by the University of Sussex. After many years of serving the people of Brighton, it is really heartwarming to have my work recognised in this way.” 

Alongside Lucas, multi award-winning songwriter Tony Macaulay and Emeritus Professor of Economics Prof L. Alan Winters CB will also receive honorary degrees. 

Tony Macaulay studied engineering in Brighton, but his real passion was in music.  

After a short stint in the engineering sector, Macaulay went on to write 38 top 20 hits, including “Build Me Up Buttercup”, “Love Grows Where My Rosemary Goes” and “Don’t Give Up On Us, Baby”. His songs have been performed by the likes of Elvis Presley, Tom Jones, Annie Lennox and Sonny and Cher. He has also had successes writing for West End Musicals and was twice awarded 'Songwriter of the Year' (in 1970 and 1977) by the British Academy of Songwriters, Composers and Authors.  

Prof L. Alan Winters CB is an Emeritus Professor of Economics at the University of Sussex and a leading specialist on International Trade. Winters was the founding director of the University’s UK Trade Policy Observatory (UKTPO), a highly influential research centre which provided government with vital analysis of trade policy following the UK’s exit from the European Union. UKTPO’s expert insight has been highly valued by policymakers, media and the wider public. After 26 years at Sussex, Winters retired in 2024.   

Both Macaulay and Winters will receive their honorary degrees on Thursday 23 January as Doctor of Music and Doctor of Laws respectively. 

Prof Sasha Roseneil, Vice-Chancellor and President of the University of Sussex, said:
“Our city and region are home to a diverse community of influential and impactful individuals, and this winter, the University of Sussex will be celebrating some of their achievements at our graduation ceremonies. 

“Caroline Lucas is a hugely respected politician who is particularly revered by, and important to, the city of Brighton and Hove. Caroline has long advocated for human rights and for our natural environment, speaking up about war and conflict, and the threats posed by climate change and biodiversity loss. Caroline’s commitment to making a real difference to the lives of both the people of Brighton and of the whole world has inspired generations of Sussex students, and we are delighted to be awarding her an honorary degree.  

“We are also pleased to be awarding Tony Macaulay and our own Emeritus Professor L. Alan Winters with honorary degrees, recognising their incredible achievements in music and the arts, and in the discipline of Economics. Our honorary graduates remind us that dedication and passion can lead to extraordinary success, and we hope these stories inspire our graduates as they commence the next chapter of their journey.” 

Across the three days (22-24 January), 2,062 students will be graduating from 143 countries, celebrating alongside over 3,500 guests at the Brighton Centre. 

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