Key Points
- Over 1,100 individuals have been recognised across the UK in The King’s New Year Honours List for 2026.
- More than 25 Essex residents and hundreds of Londoners made the list.
- Brentwood’s Alexander Gibson, founder of Challenging MND, was made an MBE for charitable services.
- Chemical engineer and community leader Asma Haq received recognition for services to multiple London boroughs.
- Hackney-born actor Idris Elba was knighted for his services to young people.
- Author and broadcaster Richard Osman was awarded an OBE for contributions to literature and media.
- Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer praised the recipients for embodying “the very best of Britain.”
A police and crime commissioner, a chemical engineer, and the founder of an MND charity are among those recognised in the 2026 New Year Honours list, highlighting remarkable service across Essex and East London.
As reported by BBC News and local outlets including The Romford Recorder, Brentwood Gazette, and Barking and Dagenham Post, more than 1,100 individuals across the United Kingdom have been honoured in the latest roll of awards announced by Buckingham Palace. The list acknowledges public service, community leadership, innovation, and charitable contribution during a year defined by resilience and renewal.
Who are the local heroes from Havering and Brentwood?
According to The Romford Recorder’s local report by journalist Hannah Stanley, one of the standout recipients is Alexander Gibson, founder and chairman of Challenging Motor Neurone Disease (MND). Mr Gibson has been made a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) for his charitable work supporting those affected by motor neurone disease.
Gibson founded the charity after being diagnosed with MND himself, channelling his strength into helping others live fulfilling lives despite the condition. The charity has raised substantial funds to enable patients to pursue bucket-list ambitions and receive emotional and financial assistance.
As reported by Stanley of The Romford Recorder, the official citation praised Gibson’s “unwavering drive to support and inspire others” and his role in increasing awareness of MND within Essex and beyond.
What makes Alexander Gibson’s honour significant?
Gibson’s story resonates deeply with residents who have followed his charity’s journey since its inception in 2019. As noted in The Brentwood Gazette, Challenging MND has helped hundreds of families by funding life-enhancing experiences and supporting vital research.
Speaking to Essex Live, Gibson expressed his gratitude for the recognition, saying:
“This honour isn’t just for me; it’s for everyone who’s been part of our mission. It acknowledges the courage of people living with MND every day.”
The recognition comes at a time when MND remains a major public health concern, drawing increased attention following campaigns by figures such as the late rugby league legend Rob Burrow and former Leeds player Kevin Sinfield.
Which East London professional was commended for community service?
Another notable name in the honours list is Asma Haq, a chemical engineer and community organiser, who co-founded the Marks Gate Relief Project. Her award recognises services to the communities of Barking and Dagenham, Havering, and Redbridge.
As reported by The Barking and Dagenham Post’s Emma Bartholomew, Haq has been instrumental in leading grassroots relief efforts during times of economic hardship and public crises. The project provides essential goods, mentoring programmes, and educational support for families in need.
During an interview with The Post, Haq said:
“This honour reflects the strength of the communities I work with. Every volunteer, every donor, and every neighbour has made this possible.”
Local MPs and councillors have also publicly congratulated Haq, describing her as a “pillar of compassion and engineering excellence who uses her skills to empower communities.”
Which celebrities with Essex and East London roots feature on the 2026 list?
The 2026 Honours list also includes several nationally known figures with strong local and cultural ties to East London and Essex.
Idris Elba – Knighted for services to young people
As first reported by The Barking and Dagenham Post’s Mark Hunter, Idris Elba, who grew up in Hackney, has been knighted for his services to young people. Best known globally for his award-winning acting career in hits such as Luther and The Wire, Elba has also spent years supporting youth projects in London, including his Don’t Stab Your Future initiative aimed at tackling knife crime.
Elba, speaking after the announcement, told BBC News:
“This recognition encourages me to keep working alongside young people who deserve opportunities to shine. London raised me, and I’ll always give back.”
His knighthood marks one of the most high-profile inclusions on the 2026 list, cementing his growing reputation for combining artistry with activism.
Richard Osman – Honoured for literature and broadcasting
Another recipient attracting public attention is Richard Osman, the bestselling author and television presenter. As reported by The Guardian’s Harriet Sherwood, Osman was awarded an OBE (Officer of the Order of the British Empire) for contributions to literature and broadcasting.
Osman is known for his Thursday Murder Club series, which has topped international bestseller charts and been adapted for a forthcoming film. Additionally, his work as co-presenter on Pointless and host of Richard Osman’s House of Games has made him a household name.
Speaking to The Guardian, Osman said:
“I’m delighted and deeply humbled. Storytelling has always been my passion, and I hope to keep entertaining people while supporting literacy and education causes.”
How did the Prime Minister respond to the 2026 Honours List?
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer publicly congratulated all the honourees, emphasising that the list “reflects the best of British character and community spirit.” As quoted by BBC News, Starmer said:
“This year’s Honours list celebrates the very best of Britain – people who put the common good ahead of themselves to strengthen communities and change lives. Their quiet dedication speaks to the decent, compassionate country we are proud to be. On behalf of the whole nation, thank you – and congratulations to everyone recognised today.”
His remarks echoed those of regional leaders from Essex and Greater London, who described the honourees as “examples of civic duty, perseverance, and kindness.”
What is the wider significance of the 2026 Honours List?
The King’s New Year Honours List for 2026 recognises contributions made during a particularly challenging period for the UK, marked by economic shifts, environmental initiatives, and efforts to rebuild community infrastructure.
According to The Evening Standard’s Robert Dex, more than 1,100 awards were distributed nationally, spanning fields from science and emergency services to sport and education. Over 25 recipients were based in Essex, while hundreds came from across Greater London.
Among other regional names were local councillors, educators, and volunteers whose work often remains unsung. The inclusion of such individuals underscores the list’s broader message: that acts of service, large or small, remain vital threads in the national fabric.
What happens after receiving an honour?
Recipients typically receive their awards in formal investiture ceremonies held throughout the year at royal residences, including Buckingham Palace and Windsor Castle. As clarified by The Independent, recipients may choose to have their medals presented by a member of the Royal Family, often The King, The Prince of Wales, or The Princess Royal.
For community figures like Alexander Gibson and Asma Haq, these ceremonies provide an opportunity to share their causes with a national audience and inspire others to contribute to local initiatives.
How do locals feel about the honours?
Community reaction across Havering, Redbridge, and Brentwood has been overwhelmingly positive. Local social media groups and councils have shared congratulations, describing the honourees as “everyday heroes” and embodiments of integrity and compassion.
Havering Council, in a statement cited by The Romford Recorder, said it was “immensely proud of residents who continue to raise the borough’s profile through selfless service.” Similarly, Brentwood Council leader Chris Hossack expressed admiration for Gibson’s achievements, noting that his work “illustrates how personal adversity can spark collective strength.”
Looking ahead: What legacy will this year’s honourees leave?
Each year’s New Year Honours list both celebrates the present and lays groundwork for future service. As observed by Sky News, the 2026 list is marked by diversity and inclusion, with representation from grassroots volunteers to internationally acclaimed authors and actors.
The presence of strong community advocates alongside cultural icons like Elba and Osman underlines a shared message: Britain’s future, as always, is fuelled by those who choose to serve others.
