Leeds Beckett University will award six Honorary Doctorates at this summer’s graduation ceremonies, which will take place at the first direct arena.
The summer's graduation ceremonies celebrate the incredible success of the class of 2023, and will take place between Monday 17 - Friday 21 July.
More than 6000 students are graduating this year, and they will be taking to the stage of the first direct arena to commemorate their success.
Six outstanding individuals will be receiving Honorary Doctorates this year:
Dame Nerys Jefford DBE, High Court Judge in Construction Law, will be awarded an Honorary Doctorate on Tuesday 18 July in recognition of her Service to Public Life.
Image: Supplied
Jeremy Poynting, Founder of Peepal Tree Press, will be awarded an Honorary Doctorate on Wednesday 19 July for his Service to the International Community.
Kate Rusby, award-winning folk singer, will be awarded an Honorary Doctorate on Thursday 20 July for her Service to the Arts.
Chris Fields, Chief Executive Officer of St Georges Crypt in Leeds, will be awarded an Honorary Doctorate on Thursday 20 July for his service to the city of Leeds.
Vianet Djenguet, award-winning wildlife filmmaker, will be awarded an Honorary Doctorate on Friday 21 July for his Service to the Arts.
Image: Supplied
Jonathan Geldart, Director General of the Institute of Directors, will be awarded an Honorary Doctorate on Friday 21 July for his Service to Industry and Commerce.
Professor Peter Slee, Leeds Beckett University Vice Chancellor, said: “On behalf of Leeds Beckett University, I would like to congratulate these inspirational and distinguished individuals on their achievement.
“I am delighted that we are recognising their diverse accomplishments and talent which have resulted in local, national and global change. Their successes provide inspiration for this year’s graduating students.”
The Leeds Beckett University graduates will join an alumni community of more than 214,000 former students living in 165 countries.
Leeds United fans looking for a crisp pre-match pint, you're in luck.
Why? Because new data has revealed Leeds United as one of the Premier League clubs offering the cheapest pints in their stadium
And it's all down to credit card provider Zable, who analysed the average price of a pint at every Premier League stadium.
You'll be glad to know that Leeds United ranked a very respectable eighth among the Premier League teams with the cheapest pre-match pints, with fans paying an average £5.60 at Elland Road.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
However, supporters can currently get a cheaper drink at pubs around the stadium, where the average pint costs £4.74.
Ipswich Town have the cheapest pint at £3.50, followed by Coventry at £3.60 and Hull City at £3.90.
The top 10 cheapest stadium match day pints:
Ipswich (£3.50)
Coventry (£3.60)
Hull City (£3.90)
Liverpool (£4.80)
Sunderland (£5.00)
Everton (£5.50)
Newcastle United (£5.60)
Leeds United (£5.60)
Bournemouth (£5.60)
Brighton & Hove Albion (£5.80)
Adam McAllister at Zable says: "For many fans, grabbing a pint before kick-off is part and parcel of the matchday experience, but our research shows that where you choose to drink can make a noticeable difference to the price. While stadium pints are often assumed to be more expensive, that's not always the case.
"With the cost of attending football continuing to add up, from tickets and travel to food and drinks, small differences like these can make a real impact on the overall cost of a matchday. Taking a little time to compare prices before heading to the stadium this season could help fans make their money go further, whether they choose to have a pint at the pub or inside the ground."
Leeds Bradford Airport workers to strike over half term, as industrial action escalates in dispute over pay
Clementine Hall
Strikes by almost 130 workers at Leeds Bradford Airport are set to escalate.
If you're planning on catching a flight from Leeds Bradford Airport, then you may want to double check the date.
Last week it was announced that workers were set to strike and bring the airport to complete standstill in a dispute over pay.
Today it has been announced that thestrikes are set to escalate and a second set of strikes have been announced.
The Unite members planning on going on strike are a mixture of air traffic control workers, customer experience staff, security staff and cleaners.
The workers involved in the dispute have recently come out of a four-year pay deal, with some of the departments having fallen behind other airports in equivalent roles.
Pay talks have been happening since December 2025, with the airport's formal offer not going far enough to address the lack of pay parity.
Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: "It is wrong that workers at Leeds Bradford Airport are paid far less than those doing the same job at another nearby airport.
"These are essential workers who play a vital role in ensuring the smooth running of the airport and the safety of passengers and deserve fair pay. Unite will always fully back our members taking action at Leeds Bradford Airport.”
The original strikes were due to take place from 03:00 this Friday 16 October to 06:00 Sunday 18 October for hourly paid staff and from 06:00 Friday 16 October to 06:00 Sunday 18 October for air traffic control workers.
The next round of industrial action will now take place from Monday 23 October to Wednesday 2 November, which coincides with the busy half term period.
Unite regional officer Neil Whitaker said: “We appreciate those travelling to and from Leeds Bradford Airport will be concerned to hear that there are further strike dates, but the situation is completely the fault of the airport’s management. It can end this dispute, but that relies on it coming back to the table with a fair deal for our members.”
Clementine Hall -
12th July 2023 
