2020 New Year Honours

2020 New Year Honours were announced on 31 December 2019 within the Commonwealth realms to celebrate the year ahead and mark the achievements of a wide array of citizens. The list, published by the Cabinet Office, recognised individuals for contributions across fields including public service, the arts, science, and charitable work. The honours were conferred by Queen Elizabeth II on the advice of the Prime Minister, Boris Johnson, and other ministerial committees.

Overview

The 2020 list featured approximately 1,097 recipients, continuing the tradition of recognising service from both prominent public figures and local community volunteers. The honours were distributed across the various classes of the Orders, decorations, and medals of the United Kingdom, with a significant portion awarded within the Order of the British Empire. The list reflected a stated aim to recognise diversity, with recipients hailing from across the United Kingdom, including Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland, as well as from Overseas Territories and Commonwealth nations. The announcement coincided with the final New Year's Honours list before the global disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Appointments

Senior appointments included the elevation of former Chancellor of the Exchequer Sajid Javid to the Privy Council and the appointment of The Lord Speaker, Lord Fowler, as a Member of the Order of the Companions of Honour. High-profile knighthoods were awarded to individuals such as Elton John for services to music and charity, and to Lewis Hamilton for his contributions to Formula One and promoting diversity in motorsport. The list also saw the appointment of several Dames Commander, including Twiggy for services to fashion and the arts, and Kathryn Tickell for work preserving Northumbrian folk music.

Order of the British Empire

The Order of the British Empire constituted the majority of honours bestowed. In the military division, awards recognised long service and leadership within the British Army, Royal Navy, and Royal Air Force. Within the civil division, Commanders of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) included figures like filmmaker Asif Kapadia and scientist Sarah Gilbert, who would later gain prominence for her work on the Oxford–AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine. Officers of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) and Members of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) honoured contributions from community organisers, educators, healthcare workers, and artists, such as musician Mica Paris and rugby league player Kevin Sinfield. The British Empire Medal (BEM) was awarded to hundreds for localized charitable and voluntary service.

Other honours

Beyond the Order of the British Empire, appointments were made to other historic orders. These included promotions within the Order of the Bath, the Royal Victorian Order, and the Order of St Michael and St George. The sole Imperial Service Order award was granted for long service in the civil service of a Commonwealth realm. Gallantry awards, such as the Queen's Gallantry Medal, were also announced for acts of bravery, separate from the honours for service and achievement.

Controversies and reactions

The list prompted some debate, particularly regarding the knighthood for Arron Banks, a central figure in the Leave.EU campaign, which was criticised by opposition politicians including Keir Starmer. The inclusion of several political aides and donors to the Conservative Party also drew scrutiny from transparency groups like Transparency International UK. Conversely, the honours for figures in entertainment and sport, such as Olivia Colman and Lewis Hamilton, were widely celebrated in the media, including by the BBC and The Guardian. The recognition of numerous unsung community volunteers was highlighted as a positive aspect of the list by charities including the Royal Voluntary Service.

Category:British honours lists Category:2020 awards Category:2020 in the United Kingdom