MPs past and present have been rewarded with honorary degrees. Baroness Shirley Williams, former Labour MP for Hitchin and Stevenage, and Peter Lilley, the current Conservative MP for Hitchin and Harpenden, were each presented with a Doctor of Letters at

MPs past and present have been rewarded with honorary degrees.

Baroness Shirley Williams, former Labour MP for Hitchin and Stevenage, and Peter Lilley, the current Conservative MP for Hitchin and Harpenden, were each presented with a Doctor of Letters at the University of Hertfordshire.

Lady Williams was presented with the award, given for a contribution to politics which spanned over 40 years, by university chancellor Lord Salisbury.

On receiving her degree, Lady Williams praised the university and how it has transformed itself from the impressive foundations of Hatfield Polytechnic.

Mr Lilley's degree was given to him by university vice-chancellor Prof Tim Wilson.

Mr Lilley said: "It is an enormous privilege and pleasure to accept this reward.

"Where other universities place so much prestige on theoretical degree subjects, Hertfordshire has recognised the importance of creative and cultural based subjects.