University set to rescind Huw Edwards' degree

Huw Edwards was awarded an honorary degree by York St John University in 2019

Former BBC news presenter Huw Edwards is set to be stripped of an honorary degree awarded to him by a North Yorkshire university.

He became an honorary doctor of letters in 2019 at a York St John University ceremony held in York Minster.

On Wednesday, Edwards pleaded guilty to three counts of making indecent images of children at Westminster Magistrates' Court.

A spokesperson for York St John University said the process to review Edwards' honour had begun, "with a recommendation that it is rescinded".

Edwards admitted having 41 indecent images of children, which had been sent to him by another man on WhatsApp, the court heard.

They included seven category A images, the most serious classification - two of which showed a child aged between about seven and nine.

In a statement, the university said Edwards had received the award for "his services to national news broadcasting".

"Subsequently, the university has had no engagement with him," the spokesperson said.

"In light of the outcome of legal proceedings, our honorary awards committee has begun the process to review Mr Edwards' honorary degree with a recommendation that it is rescinded."

Edwards admitted having 41 indecent images of children, Westminster Magistrates' Court heard

Until last year, Edwards was one of the main presenters on BBC One's News at Ten and often fronted coverage of major national events.

After being arrested last November, Edwards was charged in June.

In a statement on Wednesday, the BBC said he would have been dismissed had he been charged while still employed.

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