Laureation address: Andrew Marr

Honorary Degree of Doctor of Letters
Laureation by Professor Stephen Gethins, Professor of Practice in International Relations and Strategic Adviser on External Relations

Wednesday 1 December 2021

Vice-Chancellor, it is my privilege to present for the degree of Doctor of Letters, honoris causa, Andrew Marr.

Andrew Marr was brought up in Longforgan, near Dundee, and educated at various Scottish schools including the High School of Dundee. He graduated with a first-class Honours degree in English from Trinity Hall, University of Cambridge in 1977.

Following graduation, he pursued a career in journalism, writing and editing for The Scotsman, The Independent, The Economist, the Daily Express, the Observer, and the BBC. In 2005, after five years working in the prominent role of Political Editor at the BBC, Andrew Marr continued his work in television and radio and still regularly presents The Andrew Marr Show and Start the Week.

Throughout his career, he has gone beyond the news headlines, making and presenting historical documentaries and writing several books including the Battle for Scotland and The History of Modern Britain, among others. That depth of knowledge has helped illuminate the big topics of the day.

At a time when there is so much at stake, informed debate and discussion is more important than ever before. His work on history is an important part of his work, as Andrew himself stated: "History is either a moral argument with lessons for the here and now, or it is merely an accumulation of pointless facts."

Andrew Marr has made a significant impact on public dialogue across the United Kingdom and beyond for almost 50 years. He has spent this time explaining why politics matters and providing accessible insights into the decisions we make as citizens and those that are made on our behalf. In his long and distinguished career, he has been the recipient of over a dozen awards for his writing and broadcasting including Columnist of the Year at the British Press Awards, Channel 4’s Journalist Award, and Best Specialist Factual Programme at the British Academy Television Awards.

Andrew is often quoted as saying that "journalism is often simply the industrialisation of gossip" but I would like to argue here that it is far more than that. Informed, respectful debate lies at the heart of a democratic society, enhancing the ability to develop ideas and innovation that makes life better for everyone. All too often it is something that we take for granted. Politics and policymaking matters to everyone and scrutiny is an important and integral part of our society.

Politics is a passionate affair, rightly so, but it often requires dispassionate informed reporting so that citizens are better informed to undertake their duties as citizens. Sometimes interrogation by Andrew Marr can make for an uncomfortable experience, but that is as it should be if democracy and debate are to thrive.

It is also about providing a voice for those who do not have one. Earlier this year the Royal Television Society announced in their Television Journalism Awards that Andrew Marr’s interview with the Chinese Ambassador on the country’s treatment of the Uighur community was their Interview of the Year for its meticulous research, described by the judges as ‘TV interviewing art at its best’.

His championing of critical thought is a valuable service and makes Andrew Marr a worthy recipient, however, his work has been even more impressive in recent times given the personal challenges that he has faced.

Following a stroke in 2013 he underwent extensive treatment which included being helped to walk again. None of that has prevented Andrew Marr from continuing his work as a journalist and continuing to be a regular broadcaster. Indeed, characteristically he and his family have used the experience to raise awareness of the causes and symptoms of strokes. I am sure Andrew will not mind the reference to his wife, Jackie Ashley, who has been a tireless campaigner and fundraiser in recent years. More recently in 2018 he had a malignant tumour removed and was back at work, holding the powerful to account, after a short recovery missing just two of his Sunday morning shows.

Andrew Marr’s commitment to his profession and holding the powerful to account for their actions is unrivalled. More than that his fortitude and inspirational approach to the challenges he has faced through illness in recent years illustrates what it takes to strive and embodies this University’s motto Ever to Excel, regardless of the circumstances.

Vice-Chancellor, in recognition of his major contribution to journalism, television and radio, I invite you to confer the degree of Doctor of Letters, honoris causa, on Andrew Marr.