One of the UK’s leading barristers told new law graduates at Huddersfield University to “fight for the truth because if you don’t, nobody will.”
Michael Mansfield QC is famous for his role in high profile court cases, inquests and enquiries, helping to overturn miscarriages of justice. He has now been awarded an Honorary Doctorate by Huddersfield University where on a previous visit he gave its annual Social Justice Lecture.
Speaking at the ceremony which conferred his Doctorate, Mr Mansfield that on his earlier visit to the University he was impressed by its sense of commitment and enthusiasm to implement social justice.
“I left feeling good,” he said. “I felt the next generation is going to make a difference.”
Mr Mansfield said the environment was important and fracking was an issue that needed to be confronted and properly debated, with lawyers becoming involved.
Mr Mansfield represented families of victims of the Hillsborough disaster and described this role as the pinnacle of a lifetime’s work.
“People did not accept what had happened,” he said. “For a quarter of a century they held out for the truth. I would say to you, hold to the truth, however difficult it may be, and fight for the truth, because if you don’t do it, nobody else will.”
Mr Mansfield’s received his Honorary Doctorate at one of 31 ceremonies taking place at the University of Huddersfield during 10 days of graduation ceremonies. The award was conferred by the Vice-Chancellor of the University, Professor Bob Cryan.
Mr Mansfield was also involved in other prominent cases such as the Birmingham Six and the Guildford Four.
