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Press release

UK celebrates recipients from Northern Ireland in HM The King's Birthday Honours List

81 people from Northern Ireland are celebrated in His Majesty The King’s Birthday Honours List 2026

From:
Northern Ireland Office, Cabinet Office and The Rt Hon Hilary Benn MP
Published
12 June 2026

81 people from Northern Ireland who have contributed to their community and country are celebrated in His Majesty The King’s Birthday Honours List 2026 today. 

Those receiving honours in Northern Ireland include David Workman, a 74 year-old, who was awarded a BEM for services to rugby and to community relations in Ballynahinch; Susan Lagdon who was awarded an MBE for services to ending violence against women and girls; and Sarah Sweeney from Londonderry who was awarded an MBE for services to counselling and psychotherapy, community education and peace building through restorative dialogue. 

In total, 1182 recipients have been awarded this year for their exceptional achievements, with a particular focus on recognising community change-makers.

This year’s recipients include dedicated foster carers, role models in women’s sports, committed health workers, champions of the arts, and devotion to public service. 

Every part of the UK is represented in the List, from the Western Isles to Cornwall.

Recipients from Northern Ireland make up 6% of the total number of recipients receiving honours this year. 

Prime Minister Keir Starmer said:

Across the UK, people are quietly changing lives and strengthening their communities. This Honours List is a chance to recognise them.

Their dedication shows how lasting change is built - through compassion, resilience and a commitment to others.

It speaks to the decent, hopeful country we are proud to be, and on behalf of the whole nation, I want to say thank you.

Secretary of State, Hilary Benn MP, said:

Every honours recipient has made a valuable contribution to their community. Their commitment to excellence and service represents the best of Northern Ireland.

I pay tribute to all of those recognised who work tirelessly every day to change lives, support communities, and inspire those around them. This national recognition is richly deserved.

To every single person honoured, I join with those who know you best in thanking you for your contribution to our society.

Anyone can nominate someone for an honour. If you know someone who has achieved fantastic things worthy of recognition, go to https://www.gov.uk/honours to find out more about how you can put them forward.

Notable recipients across Northern Ireland region include:  

  • Joyce Montgomery from County Tyrone who was awarded a BEM for services to the community in County Tyrone. Joyce made a profound and lasting contribution to her community for over 60 years as a founding leader of the Girl’s Friendly Society, establishing a safe and supportive environment for young women in County Tyrone, nurturing generations to gain confidence, resilience, and self-esteem to pursue education, careers, and active roles in society.

  • Peter Scobie, from Newtownards, who was awarded a BEM for services to Higher Education. During the pandemic, he led a small team that supported stranded students by developing and delivering over 18,000 nutritionally balanced meals and 600 catering packs for Christmas, which was vital for student mental health and wellbeing.

  • Ian Glendinning, from Magherafelt, who was awarded a MBE for services to country sports and to conservation. He established the Megargy & District Game & Conservation Society in 1989 and, as the long-standing Chair, secured access to 3,500 acres from approximately 100 farmers and landowners to preserve wildlife in Mid Ulster, earning the club recognition and awards for its projects.

  • Rose Neill from Killinchy, who was awarded a MBE for services to Broadcasting and to Charity. She is the longest-standing female or male television news broadcaster in the UK, with a 49-year career that began in 1977, having worked with UTV and BBCNI.

ENDS

Notes to editors:

Updates to this page

Published 12 June 2026