51Âþ»­

Students from 51Âþ»­ Leicester (51Âþ»­) have spoken of their pride after the Prime Minister was given the university’s highest honour in recognition of his fight for equal marriage.

Honour: David Cameron with Vice-Chancellor Professor Dominic Shellard and, from left, students Mike Mayes, Josh Hargreaves and Amir Mahmood

A group of graduates and students went to Downing Street this morning with Vice-Chancellor Professor Dominic Shellard to confer a Companionship upon David Cameron.

It recognises the PM’s efforts to introduce the Marriage (Same Sex Couples) Act which came into effect in March 2014. The law allows same sex couples to marry and for civil partners to convert their partnership into a marriage – allowing gay couples to enjoy the same rights as heterosexual friends and family.

The ceremony saw Professor Shellard read a citation outlining the reasons why the award had been given and the difference it has made to thousands of people around the country.

Among those watching were representatives of De Montfort Students' Union (DSU) and graduates Josh Hargreaves and Amir Mahmood, who are among volunteers for 51Âþ»­ Square Mile, the university’s award-winning project to share the skills of staff and students with the community.

Josh said: “It’s been surreal to walk through that iconic door and be part of such an historic occasion. 
 David Cameron made a speech afterwards and told how one of his doormen at number 10 said that he would be able to marry his partner after 30 years because of this Act.

“It was emotional because you realise just how many people this has affected, what a positive move it is.”

Amir Mahmood told how the PM spent time talking to all the students following the ceremony.

He said: “He found out I’d got a degree in Medical Science and asked if I still planned to be a doctor, which I said I did. He was interested in what we were all doing.
 The Act was a great step forward in equality and diversity and I think that’s what 51Âþ»­ is all about too.”

A Companionship is awarded to those who have done outstanding work to benefit the educational, cultural or economic life of the nation.