Chief security officer at Network Rail, Peter Gibbons, was among MBEs in the New Year Honours List for project leader on the UK’s £10m aid to Ukrainian Railways. He saw to the delivery of equipment to the country’s embattled rail network, including in Ukraine. He gained funding from the Foreign Office’s overseas development aid budget and worked with technical engineers to ensure the equipment was suitable for Ukraine’s rail gauge (its rails have historically been broader, that is, further apart than the UK and western Europe’s). All components were delivered in less than six months.
Peter, pictured, said: “I feel really proud to receive the award. It really is a huge honour to be recognised for the work that we’ve done to protect the railway and of course to support Ukraine’s railway following Russia’s brutal invasion. I can’t thank my team enough for the work they do. It might be my name on the honours list, but without their hard work and dedication and the support of the team at Network Rail, none of it would be possible.”
A founder of the cyber firm Darktrace, Poppy, now Baroness Gustafsson, made a junior Department for Trade minister by Labour last year, was made a CBE. Among those given OBEs were Theodore Barry, deputy director of security at the House of Commons; and Kevin Tumelty, head of security at the Welsh Senate in Cardiff. British Empire Medals (BEMs) went to Norfolk CCTV operator Nora Benson and Conservative Party security officer Harry Burgess.
For the New Year Honours List for 2025 in full visit gov.uk.
