Humanists UK is delighted to announce the appointment of two new patrons: esteemed barrister Geoffrey Robertson KC, and prize-winning physician Professor Edzard Ernst. They join a group of over 200 Humanists UK patrons with notable careers in the arts, literature, science, academia, politics, and community and civic activism.
Geoffrey Robertson AO KC is an Australian-born barrister renowned for his work on high–profile criminal cases, including the Gay News blasphemy trial (1977) and the Oz obscenity trial (1971). He went on to defend Salman Rushdie, a fellow Humanists UK patron, when an attempt was made to prosecute him over The Satanic Verses. He’s also defended Mike Tyson and, in the Privy Council, many prisoners on death row in the Caribbean. In 1990, he founded the highly esteemed barristers’ set Doughty Street Chambers. He has written over 20 books including Who Owns History, The Trial of Vladimir Putin, The Tyrannicide Brief, and recently the 5th edition of Crimes against humanity.
Professor Edzard Ernst is a prize-winning physician and researcher specialising in complementary and alternative medicine. In 1993, he became the world’s first chair in complementary medicine, later co-authoring Trick or Treatment? Alternative Medicine on Trial in 2008. He is the founder and former editor-in-chief of three medical journals, and he has been a columnist for leading publications such as the BMJ, the Guardian, and the Spectator. His work has been recognised with 17 scientific awards, and in 2022, he was elected to the Academia Europaea Academy of Europe.
Commenting on the appointments, Chief Executive Andrew Copson said:
‘It’s an enormous privilege to welcome two such formidable intellects to our family of patrons. Geoffrey has a career defined by an unwavering commitment to human rights and holding power to account, while Edzard has championed reason and evidence-based medicine in the face of widespread misinformation. Their distinguished work perfectly embodies the humanist values of critical thinking, compassion, and a passion for justice. I am confident they will be an inspiration to our members and a powerful voice for our cause.’
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For further comment or information, media should contact Humanists UK Director of Public Affairs and Policy Richy Thompson at press@humanists.uk or phone 020 7324 3072 or 07534 248 596.
Humanists UK has over 200 patrons who support its work in various ways through their expertise and prominence in various fields. Existing patrons include significant figures from the spheres of science, philosophy, human rights activism, politics, the arts, and broadcasting. The President of Humanists UK is the geneticist, science writer, and broadcaster, Dr Adam Rutherford. He is supported by Vice Presidents Professor Alice Roberts, Shaparak Khorsandi, Professor Jim Al-Khalili, Professor AC Grayling, and Polly Toynbee.
Humanists UK is the national charity working on behalf of non-religious people. Powered by over 150,000 members and supporters, we advance free thinking and promote humanism to create a tolerant society where rational thinking and kindness prevail. We provide ceremonies, pastoral care, education, and support services benefitting over a million people every year and our campaigns advance humanist thinking on ethical issues, human rights, and equal treatment for all.