FORMER MP Elfyn Llwyd has been awarded an Honorary Fellowship by the University of Wales Trinity Saint David.
Born in Betws-y-Coed, Mr Llwyd was raised in Llanrwst and later went to Ysgol Syr Thomas Jones, Ysgol Dyffryn Conwy, University of Wales Aberystwyth and Chester Law College.
He worked as a solicitor and subsequently a barrister before election to public office.
He was Plaid Cymru MP for Meirionnydd Nant Conwy from 1992 to 2010 and Dwyfor Meirionnydd from 2010 to 2015, and was the party’s Westminster parliamentary group leader.
On presenting Mr Llwyd to the congregation, Gwilym Dyfri Jones, UWTSD associate pro-vice chancellor, said: “Today, the university honours one of the architects of modern Wales, a man who has contributed significantly to that principled process of creating a nation with dignity, self-esteem and quiet confidence.
“Through his brilliant service as an active and conscientious member of parliament for over 20 years and as an insightful and incisive barrister, he has influenced many major developments that have positively affected our lives here in Wales.
“Elfyn Llwyd has been a true ambassador for Wales. He has served his country with dignity, sincerity and great aplomb.”
On receiving the award, Mr Llwyd said: “Today is an important day in my life – it really is a great honour. I’m extremely grateful to have received this award by the University of Wales Trinity Saint David.
“If I could also say that today is such an important day for all of you who are graduating and I congratulate you on all your successes so far.”
During his time in Parliament he won national political awards, including Campaigner of the Year 2010, Welsh MP of the Year 2014, and was also shortlisted for Channel 4‘s Politician of the Year.
As an MP he was the first to initiate a bill calling for the setting up of a Children’s Commissioner for Wales in 1993 and during his time in Parliament he amended the Family Law Act 1996 to enhance the voice and interests of children in divorce situations.
In 2012 he introduced a private bill to establish in the criminal law the offence of stalking which was accepted by government and enacted.
Similarly, he introduced the bill to criminalise coercive control within domestic violence in February 2015 and which was accepted by government and became law in January 2016.
Following his contribution and work for Welsh culture and the language, he was appointed a member of the Eisteddfod Gorsedd of Bards.
He is also an honorary life member of NAPO as a result of his contribution and work within the field of justice.
A member of Linehall Chambers in Chester, Elfyn currently practises in public and private family law.